Hi John,
As our communities navigate the landscape following the 2024 election, we know that many are seeking guidance in an uncertain landscape and ways to engage in the work that is ahead. We don’t have all the answers, but we have some, and we have each other.
Alongside our community partners from across the Commonwealth, we developed a post-election resource for Virginia’s LGBTQIA+ community.
We covered topics like identity documents, legal documents, healthcare, and relationship recognition.
For individuals within Virginia’s LGBTQIA+ communities, we encourage people to consider some steps that may help prepare for a shifting landscape in 2025. Every individual’s situation is going to be different, so these are general pieces of advice, not universal guidance. Read the full guide here: Guidance for Virginia's LGBTQIA+ Communities After Trump's Election
These steps are precautionary and may not be necessary for everyone, but we believe it is important that our community has the best tools and resources available to feel prepared.
We recognize that all of these steps take time and resources. There will be some pro bono offerings for services that we will amplify to help ease that burden for those who might need it. We know that it may not be enough. We urge those in the community who are able to step up to share resources and services with those who need additional support.
Shared actions we can take:
Regardless of what actions you may want to take on your own, there are many ways we can step up and support one another as shared communities.
These are five actions that will help to support all of us:
- Connect - Take part in community events and gatherings as we process this moment and move forward into what is ahead.
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Follow - Connect with local and statewide advocacy organizations like Equality Virginia and other trusted resources to get up-to-date information about changes to policy, community resources, and to be alerted to action steps.
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Give - Support Equality Virginia and LGBTQIA+ led and serving organizations. Our community organizations are more essential than ever.
- Share - Be sure to share guides and resources so that those in your networks have access to helpful information, community events, and up-to-date messaging.
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Step Up - We all have different skills, resources, or talents we can bring to this moment. Whether it’s in formal ways or in your own networks, consider how your involvement can help to sustain and support those around you.
As we head into 2025, we are expecting that there will be attempts to roll back supportive LGBTQIA+ policies and pursue harmful policies at a federal level. At the state level in Virginia, we will continue to see harmful legislation proposed but we are uniquely positioned to defeat them as we have in previous legislative sessions.
Our state is better insulated than some to support and protect our LGBTQIA+ communities and we have a long history of resilience in the face of challenges. As the federal landscape shifts, fighting to keep LGBTQIA+ values-aligned majorities in power here in Virginia will become even more important.
As we move through this moment together, be sure to take time to process your feelings, to seek support where you need it, and to remember the power that we have as individuals and communities to make change.
Equality Virginia has always been here, we will always be here, and we will get through this. We’ve got us.
Forward, together.
Equality Virginia
