LGBTQ+ candidates are running for office across the country. It recently had to cap a training in Los Angeles at 54 people — its largest cohort in more than a decade — and a first-of-its-kind training for transgender candidates at 12 people, despite more than 50 applying. LGBTQ+ candidates and prospective candidates listen to speakers at an LGBTQ+ Victory Institute training in downtown Los Angeles in September. However, candidates said they also have had young people and others thank them for having the nerve to defend the LGBTQ+ community. “Because if they’ll do it to my community, your community is next.”Former Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton speaks at a training event for LGBTQ+ candidates and prospective candidates in L.A. in September.