OutVote Launches 2026 Fellowship to Mobilize LGBTQ+ Gen Z Voters in Key Districts

Executive Director Isaac James announces OutVote’s largest fellowship program to date, expanding to three competitive congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

APRIL 22, 2026 – OutVote today announced the launch of its 2026 OutVote Fellowship, its largest and most ambitious program to date. Applications and nominations are now open for 30 Fellow positions across three congressional districts where young LGBTQ+ voters will play a decisive role: IA-01, MI-07, and NC-11.

This exclusive fellowship aims to empower LGBTQ+ Gen Z organizers with education, tools, community, and funding to support civic engagement in their communities. Strong candidates care deeply about their local queer and trans communities, are eager to learn best practices in political organizing, and are committed to empowering their peers through voter engagement and civic participation. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and democratic participation are increasingly contested, the program aims to ensure young queer and trans leaders are equipped to organize and engage their communities.

“The future of our democracy will be shaped by young people who feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead,” said Isaac James, Co-Founder and Executive Director of OutVote. “The OutVote Fellowship is about giving LGBTQ+ Gen Z organizers the tools, resources, and community to step up in this moment and make a real and lasting impact in their own communities.”

OutVote Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend, a $500 resource fund to support community events, free enrollment in the OutVote Institute, and join a community of like-minded leaders working to engage their LGBTQ+ communities. As the only organization that exclusively focuses on equipping queer and trans young people with the tools, training, and networks needed to mobilize their own communities, our Fellows have the unique opportunity to implement what they learn and make a meaningful difference in voter turnout. 

Fellows will lead peer-to-peer outreach, host community events, and drive voter engagement efforts in their local districts.

“The OutVote Fellowship doesn’t simply empower LGBTQ+ Gen Z organizers for a single election. Our fellows are building their power to advocate for their communities now and for years to come,” said Kassie Phebillo, the OutVote Programming Director.

To learn more and apply to the 2026 OutVote Fellowship, visit go.outvotehq.org/fellowship-application. To nominate a candidate for the fellowship, visit: go.outvotehq.org/fellowship-nomination. Applications are open through May 17 at 11:59 PM PST.

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Find more materials for fellowship promotion here: ​https://go.outvotehq.org/fellowship-promo-kit. 

About OutVote

OutVote is a youth-led civic engagement organization mobilizing Gen-Z LGBTQ+ Americans to build electoral power and restore trust in a more participatory democracy. Founded in 2024, OutVote empowers young LGBTQ+ leaders to shape the future of American democracy through education, organizing, and research.

OutVote at a Glance

  • Founded in 2024 by Gen Z LGBTQ+ leaders Isaac James and Ranen Miao

  • Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with growing state-based networks.

  • Currently reaching 2.5 million+ LGBTQ+ young people nationwide through digital campaigns and peer-to-peer outreach.

  • Over 13,500 direct voter contacts made so far in swing states like New Jersey and Virginia (2025) and Arizona and Pennsylvania (2024).

  • Leading programs: OutVote Fellowship Program (training youth leaders), Digital Organizing Program, and Research Program (studying Gen-Z civic trends).

  • Supported by organizations including Vote Save America, Protect Democracy Project, the Rhodes Trust, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Why OutVote Matters

  • A queerer electorate: Gen-Z is the queerest generation in U.S. history. Nearly one-third identify as LGBTQ+, representing more than 20 million young Americans.

  • Growing electoral power: By 2040, LGBTQ+ voters will represent almost 1 in 5 voters in the United States, constituting the nation’s largest voting bloc when combined with Millennials. 

  • Declining youth voter turnout: After record highs in 2018 and 2020, youth participation dropped 10% in 2024. Without authentic engagement, millions risk being sidelined in 2026.

  • Combating misinformation: Misinformation disproportionately targets queer youth. Misinformation campaigns online fuel distrust and disengagement. OutVote flips the script by building trusted, peer-driven networks.

  • LGBTQ+ rights under attack: With more than 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state capitals in 2025 alone, it’s never been more important for LGBTQ+ youth to stand up for LGBTQ+ freedoms.

OutVote’s Model

  • Technology + Grassroots: Secure digital platform for voter tools combined with state-based, youth-led organizing.

  • Peer-to-Peer Trust: OutVote organizers have unique voter-engagement links to mobilize friends and peers.

  • Training & Mentorship: Fellows and members receive workshops on digital organizing, countering disinformation, and public messaging.