Following Trump’s win, various organizations have put out messages of hope and plans for moving forward to help guide LGBTQ+ Americans into the next presidential term.
According to the Washington Blade, executive director Erin Whelan of SMYAL, a nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. said in a message “Remember this: No decision, no law, no societal judgment can change who you are or the incredible strength you carry within you.” She expressed anger and sadness at the country’s decision to re-elect a convicted felon.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) also answered the call. President Kelley Robinson released a statement on expressing her sorrow at the results of the presidential elections, and for various other races lost by progressive candidates. However, HRC did celebrate the community’s wins, with candidates like Sarah McBride and Emily Randall making history. “Our ancestors taught us that resilience is our superpower. Make no mistake — we are not backing down,” she wrote.
Over 70 LGBTQ+ organizations on both state and national levels have collaborated to release a joint statement of hope, perseverance and reflection on how far the LGBTQ+ rights movement has come, Them reports. “United in our strength, during the most difficult of times, we have pushed forward and achieved significant progress across the decades,” it reads. “For every member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and for those who support us: We’ve got this. We’ve got us. No matter who you are, where you live, or the outcome of yesterday’s election, today we are an LGBTQIA2S+ community united.” Signees included Advocates for Trans Equality, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, The Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center and more.
“We know that so much more work lies ahead of us,” the letter continues. “Yet as an LGBTQIA2S+ movement, we will continue to work towards what we always have: a country where all LGBTQIA2S+ people are safe, seen, and accepted for who we truly are, without exception. We are here together, and we will move forward.”
