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Dear John,
The presidential election results are beyond devastating. This is a painful and difficult moment for everyone who cherishes the freedom to be authentically yourself, for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, for those of us who hold multiple identities, and for everyone who cares about us.
As we reflect on the election outcomes, I want to acknowledge the range of emotions you may be experiencing. Like many, I am grappling with the deep sadness, anger, and pain over the victory of a presidential candidate who could not be more removed from my values. I am extremely concerned that a person so intent on dehumanizing our trans community will again be in our nation’s highest office.
Yet, I must stand firm in this belief: no matter who occupies the White House, we will keep fighting for our families, our freedoms, and our future. Equality Federation and our state partners will continue to organize in the communities we call home — every single community in this democracy. We will continue to make our voices heard, no matter the barriers to our political participation.
Thank you for fighting for the queer and trans people in your state. No matter the results nationally and locally, you showed up for our communities.
We are at another inflection point in our fight for a just world, and this will be a challenging era. This political reality affects us all in different ways, and those of us with multiple targeted identities are bound to feel this deeply. I hope everyone is able to take the time and space you need to care for you and yours today.
Nothing about the election changes who we are or our clarity of purpose as Equality Federation. Movement building, infrastructure development, and the care and feeding of on-the-ground advocates and the community are needed now more than ever. This is essential, and each and every one of you plays a critical part in this work.
The greatest opportunities to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people will continue to be in the states—where the work is hard, but the impact is great.
As we approach 2025, we know the legislative landscape will present challenges, especially in states governed by extremist legislators who continue to target transgender people as part of their anti-rights agenda. Yet, we draw inspiration from the many LGBTQ+ leaders who have won in races across the country. California, Colorado, and Hawaii have enshrined marriage equality for same-sex couples in their state constitutions, and eight states have ensured access to abortion, proving that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.
Queer and transgender people showed up in this election, and we will continue to show up. Our community is powerful. We have been through tough times before and are united in our vision for a better future.
We’ve got this. We’ve got us.
Together,
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Fran "Hutch" Hutchins
Executive Director
Equality Federation
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Equality Federation
818 SW 3rd Ave.
141
Portland, OR 97204-2405
United States
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