A message from the LA LGBT Center:
Dear Center Community,
Yesterday, we awoke to the news that our country, when offered the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, chose to elect former President Donald J. Trump to the White House once again.
At the Los Angeles LGBT Center, an organization that actively seeks to protect those most marginalized in our community every day of the year, we are confronting the sober reality of the years ahead and what they will undoubtedly mean for those we serve.
President Trump ran an unprecedented campaign filled with divisive rhetoric, littered with racism, transphobia, and promises to use the full breadth of the government to execute his will. In his remarks last night, he vowed that promises made will be promises kept. We must believe him and not be mistaken; his second presidency will be more dangerous to our community than his first.
It is hard to compare this moment to any other chapter in American history. Indeed, it might be irresponsible to do so. However, what I wish to remind you is that our community—and this organization in particular—is well practiced at surviving (and even thriving) in the face of unspeakable hatred.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center opened its doors when homosexuality was considered a mental illness, and we fought the federal government when the IRS refused to grant us tax-exempt status because of our mission. The Center cared for our community during two public health crises—HIV/AIDS and COVID-19—while sitting presidents ignored and made light of the devastation and death caused by these pandemics. And we successfully fought back when our rights to marry, serve our country, and bodily autonomy were threatened.
We cannot, and will not, let this moment deter us. This election proves that our fight is not over, and your Center will draw on our 55 years of experience to keep our sacred promise to care for and protect our community no matter the challenges we face.
Caring for our community’s most vulnerable is what we do every single day of the year and every single hour of the day. Even—or perhaps especially—in the face of this setback for our nation and our democracy, the Center’s work will continue.
Grief and anger are entirely understandable emotions at this time, but do not allow these election results to demoralize you and cause you to lean away from the fight for justice. Hold onto the hard-won progress you have seen in your lifetime and celebrate the victories achieved last night. Victories like Prop 8 being struck from the California Constitution and the election of the country’s first transgender congressperson. These are important reminders that our progress continues.
While the road ahead will be tough, now is the time for our community’s signature bravery, creativity, and brilliance to be on full, proud display. We must continue to be role models for our LGBTQ+ young people, we must continue the work of our movement’s pioneers, and we must continue to live our truth as LGBTQ+ people.
On Thursday, November 7th, we will gather in a post-election community space in Pride Hall at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus. This space will give us an opportunity to hear from Center leadership and the elected officials who represent us. You can learn more about this space and RSVP here. For more on the Center’s response to the election, please read our official press statement.
Let’s continue to show the world that our movement remains strong and unwavering in Los Angeles. We are the possibility, the wildest dreams, and our work will continue. I remain as committed as ever to the Center’s mission and know that, together, it will be achieved.
