In a week of frustrating setbacks and heartbreaking stories, today’s anniversary of Stonewall reminds us of the power and urgency of resistance.
Forty-nine years ago, the Stonewall Riots in New York City marked the beginning of the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States. Harassed by local police simply for congregating, LGBTQ patrons — the majority of whom were trans women of color — decided to take a stand and fight back against the brutal intimidation they regularly faced.
As we celebrate the progress we have made in the 49 years since Stonewall, it is more important than ever that we recognize the distance we still have to go to achieve full equality.
Here are just three examples:
Despite Donald Trump’s late and incomplete retreat last week from his cruel and dangerous policy separating nearly 2,000 children from their parents at the border, thousands of families have already paid the price and will continue to suffer from this actions.
On Monday, HRC stood in solidarity with partners outside the U.S. Supreme Court to decry the court’s 5-4 ruling that the Trump-Pence administration’s racist, xenophobic Muslim Ban is constitutional.
And currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in states where they are at risk of being fired, denied housing or refused service because of who they are or who they love.
Though our work began before Stonewall, on that night in 1969 queer and transgender people of color sparked a social awakening in the U.S. — and that legacy endures. In fighting back the reckless and repeated attacks we are now facing, we must center the parts of our communities that have been disproportionately targeted for far too long: immigrants, people of color, trans and gender expansive people, bisexual people, people with disabilities and those at the intersections of these identities.
From November’s midterm elections to our grassroots efforts fighting discriminatory legislation and legislators, to protesting these dangerous attacks and marching in cities nationwide — HRC is fighting everyday to ensure full equality and justice is achieved for everyone, everywhere.
Make sure you’re registered to vote and join us at hrc.org/Vote.
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