Gay And Trans People Are Not Going Anywhere.

Photo Source (Studio Tywon)

Gay and trans people are not going anywhere. If it weren’t for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially gay individuals, much of our culture’s sense of expression and freedom wouldn’t exist. Gay and trans people bring vibrancy, creativity, and a spirit of liberation that make life more open and inclusive. Yet, many in our community—particularly people of color—are increasingly being targeted. The lack of security, protection, and empathy shown toward us is a painful reminder that the world still has a long way to go. Gay and trans people deserve respect, compassion, and the right to live safely and authentically. Too often, when members of our community go missing, their cases are ignored or forgotten. This includes figures like Marsha P. Johnson, whose death remains shrouded in injustice. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Marsha P. Johnson and also Sylvia Rivera, who were fearless leaders in the fight for gay rights. They were beacons of hope and resistance within the LGBTQIA+ movement. Recently, the president’s decision to eliminate the LGBTQIA+ suicide hotline is deeply troubling. I am disgusted and disappointed by his actions. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot shut us down — we will rise.