Dear John, First and foremost, our hearts go out to all who have been and continue to be impacted by the devastating fires and wind storms in Los Angeles. As we talk about service below, we know that many people across the country are already being of service to the communities affected, including people in the Pacific Palisades and in the historic Black community of Altadena. We are thinking of you and are here for you. On Monday, a new administration will be sworn into office. We know from experience—and the plans they laid out in Project 2025—they are planning to do all they can to deny inclusion, fairness, and justice to people across race, income, ability, gender, age, and sexual orientation. I want you to know that, despite their efforts to create harm and sow chaos, PFLAG’s mission to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them continues. We know that our love is louder. And we will prevail. The new administration intends to move quickly to pass many nefarious Executive Orders on day one. These may include: - Eroding Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students, pregnant and parenting students, and students who are victims of rape, abuse, incest and harassment;
- Eliminating federal funding for providers of gender-affirming, medically necessary care for transgender youth and potentially to adults;
- Banning open military service for transgender people; and
- Aggressively deporting and detaining immigrants for minor crimes, and without due process.
And these are just the tip of the iceberg. PFLAG has a history of bringing people together, of softening hearts and changing minds to create a lasting difference. And now, we draw from our roots and our history of successfully coming together to overcome unjust policies, and find strength in collaborations that secure our freedoms close to home. Here are some things you can do, right now, to take action and foster community: These are just starting actions. In full transparency, while there is some historical information about what’s to come, some of what lies ahead is “unprecedented” and we won’t have all of the answers all of the time. We commit to always doing our best, to be of help, to support finding the information, and to connect you with other experts whenever needed. It is not lost on me that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day falls on the same day as the inauguration. We rightly honor Dr. King’s legacy and leadership—but he would say he did not act alone. Regular folks from across the country, united in the face of unrelenting discrimination and hatred. Channel the spirit and power of Dr. King, of Bayard Rustin, of the civil rights and other powerful movements for justice and equity. Commit to courageous love and fearless action. Commit to the hard work that is needed for our communities. Remember that above all else, our Love will always be louder.
To quote Dr. King, ‘Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’” With thanks for all of the difference you’ll make in the years ahead, |
