A Message to Our Community from 200+ Organizations Committed to Advancing LGBTQIA2S+ Freedom

“Remember: we’re stronger together. Don’t run and hide. We have to be more visible and unified than ever!” – Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

Miss Major gave the LGBTQ+ community and our allies this call to action in October 2018, under the first Trump Administration. She addressed our fear and anxiety as we reacted to a leaked draft of a rule detailing changes to how Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act would be implemented, which would remove protections from discrimination for many marginalized communities. She ended her gentle message to her beloved trans and gender nonconforming community with a powerful reminder: We are still here.

We are here because of the love and care of movement leaders like Miss Major. In every community across the United States, there are trans elders who have shown us how to navigate moments like this. We honor Miss Major, our trans elders, and our trans youth by advocating for a healthcare system that cares for us from youth to our golden years because every person, across race, gender and ability, deserves to live long, healthy, joyful lives.

We are here because of the grit and humor of Cecilia Gentili, who taught us that we are all worth fighting for. When this administration and its supporters act to dim our light, we honor Cecilia by showing up for our community and shining bright as our true selves.

We are here because of the vision and tenacity of Lorena Borjas, mother to trans migrants, and an inspiration to all of us who believe that liberation for LGBTQIA2S+ people is a global commitment. We honor Lorena by fighting to keep our families and communities whole.

We are here because of Monica Roberts’ fierce commitment to telling our stories and uplifting our history. We honor Monica by taking on those who try to bully their way into power, who ban books and medical care, and pass laws controlling who we can be and love.

In these challenging times, we remind ourselves that ours is a legacy of care. Our stories, our families, our art, our voices, and our lives are powerful. We hold onto this truth: Those working to divide us cannot take away our joy because they didn’t give it to us in the first place. Trans and queer joy will always exist because trans and queer people will always be here. 

It’s crucial for LGBTQIA2S+ communities, organizations, and our allies across the country to come together. When we collaborate and when we create community, we amplify our power and strengthen our impact. For those who are ready to take action and have the capacity, there are many ways to get involved including:

• Joining or supporting local and national advocacy efforts. The organizations listed below are a start.
• Sharing stories of resilience and uplifting voices within our community.
• Engaging in campaigns that fight for our rights and protect our future.

To everyone in our community: We are here. We will keep fighting for us, showing up for us, and creating spaces where we can all feel safe and loved. We are not alone.

Through solidarity, thoughtfulness, and resilience, we will keep pushing forward. Our commitment to intersectionality and community ensures that all of us move forward as one.

We are here. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will continue to fight for a world where all LGBTQIA2S+ people and our families are seen, heard, and celebrated.

The following national, state, and local organizations join in solidarity: