Update from HRC’s: “How We’ll Protect Our Progress”
Community,
We just got off the Human Rights Campaign’s call, “HRC and Trump’s First 100 Days: How We’ll Protect Our Progress” which contained a lot of great knowledge and advice.
First: the law hasn’t changed.
Executive Orders do not immediately undo law. These things will move through the court systems and will take a great deal of time during which the law of the land remains. Let this provide a bit of reassurance. Sarah Warbelow reminded the call that we all knew this adminstration would undo rights for our Community, and they have been preparing strategic litigation for this very reason. Stand firm and RESIST. It is incredibly important that we do not pre-comply. Again: the law has not changed. Do not allow them to gain progress by willingly giving it away. We must not self-censor.
Their goal is to terrify our Community and our Allies, making them take a step back to leave our most visible members more vulnerable. Allies, this part is for you: THIS is the sign to speak up. The time of silently standing by and supporting in private is over. If you have ever read a history book and wondered, “how could people just silently stand by without speaking out" - this is your chance to stand firm and use your voice to help us.
What can we do?
Take action. HRC is taking 100,000 actions in 100 days and they are already 40,000 actions in. That is proof we have allies, we have numbers, we have each other. Together we can make an impact. Stay plugged into action networks. Write your representatives, share your stories. You do not have to give your name or your address or your employment - simply say you are a “constituent in your district” or share simply your zip code. We must own our narrative, it is ours and no one gets to re-write our stories or experiences for us.
Get your legal documents drawn up, Wills, Power of Attorney, Adoption if non-birth giver, etc.
Support your LGBT+ friends and family. Check-in. Then check-in again. Support one another.
Advice from HRC (paraphrased):
Same-Sex Marriage - the law has not changed. Should it go through the court systems and revert back to state-law there would most likely be a legacy clause affording recognition for same-sex couples already married.
X Gender Marker Passports - no longer being issued. Be cautious traveling outside the United States with an X passport. HRC suggested reaching out to the Department of State and requesting a written letter stating that you would in fact be allowed back into the United States.
Transgender care/access - the majority of focus has been on youth under the age of 18. Access for adults to HRT will be highly dependent on the state in which you live and the specific legislation being proposed.
Resources from HRC:
HRC.IM/Timeline - It is important to understand our history; progess is forward, backward, then forward again. This is why we must continue to fight back.
Text ‘Action’ to 472472 to join their Action Network and stay plugged in.
HRC.IM/EqualityHub
WelcomingSchools.org
I left the call feeling empowered. We are not alone, we have one another and national leaders paving the way with lawsuits to block these Executive Orders until they go through a long court battle ahead. I encourage you to visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website, support Lambda Legal, and to stay plugged into actions we can take to make our voices heard. The Glass House is here to welcome LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages and provides a safe, inclusive space. We hold support meetings, movie nights, arts and crafts, D & D, food pantry, clothing closet, and so much more. Together we will get through the next four years and protect the progress we have made. Let’s fight like hell.