John,

Today is the 52nd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v Wade. For half a century Roe was the guiding force of reproductive rights nationwide. But in 2022, the Supreme Court reversed course, throwing our freedom out the window.

Without Roe and under President Trump, the battle for bodily autonomy is at its most critical point ever.

With one ruling, they dismantled the right to choose and laid the groundwork to attack the right to privacy and bodily autonomy. These rights have been the bedrock of LGBTQ+ equality and the reproductive rights movements. Without them, people who can get pregnant, who want to make their own health decisions, or who want to love who they want immediately found themselves at risk.

This administration has made clear its aim to limit and restrict reproductive rights and bodily autonomy wherever it can, and we have no choice but to fight. Dobbs was the result of a long-waged war against the right to make decisions about our bodies, but nothing is said and done.

This week, we also lost one of the reproductive rights movement’s most staunch advocates, Cecile Richards. Her loss is felt tremendously among all of us working toward the freedom of our bodies. Cecile championed the rights for bodily autonomy for all of us and we have a duty to continue her work, and to win.

Though there is a lot to despair, now is the time for action. You have always been champions of creating the equal, respectful and inclusive nation we wish to see – and we need you in this fight with us right now.

I'm proud to say that LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is a pro-choice organization, and we've endorsed thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates who are dedicated to protecting the right to choose. Whether working to protect our rights at the federal level or combatting legislation at the state level – our elected officials are on the frontlines every day.

With your support and partnership, we will grow our coalition of pro-equality leaders who uphold and affirm bodily autonomy for everyone. This fight is a marathon, and we will cross the finish line in victory with you by our side.

We aren’t going anywhere, and we won’t stop working for the freedom of our bodies and our lives – for everyone, everywhere, forever.

Onward,

Mayor Annise Parker
President & CEO, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund