11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 14:36
The fight for equality, freedom, and protection for LGBTQ+ families continues.
New York, NY - Family Equality, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ families and advancing legal and lived equality, today issued the following statement from Interim CEO Alexis Kantor on the outcomes of the 2024 election:
"Though the results of this election are disappointing to many, Family Equality stands stronger than ever in our commitment to securing a safe and supportive world for all LGBTQ+ families," Kantor said. "Our community has overcome countless barriers, and while today's setbacks are a heavy weight, they are far from the end of our journey.
"We know many of our families woke up this morning uncertain and afraid. Many of us had to face impossible conversations with our children, our partners, and our friends about what's ahead. To every LGBTQ+ family feeling the weight of today - especially those who are transgender, BIPOC, immigrant, low-income, or occupying any identity that has been targeted for harm by our nation's policies and practices - you are not moving through this moment alone.
"As we continue to get a clearer picture of the road ahead, we will work hard to provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions about yourself and your family. We will create the spaces our families need to feel safe and feel loved. We will share the stories of our families so the truth of who we are cannot be twisted. We will strategize alongside fellow equality champions to push back against whatever is levied against us from schools to statehouses, and we will continue on the path towards progress."
Despite challenges in federal races, this election brought historic milestones and clear victories for equality and family rights. LGBTQ+ voters overwhelmingly supported pro-equality candidates, and we recognize historic wins for trailblazing figures like Sarah McBride (first out trans member of Congress), Julie Johnson (first LGBTQ+ person ever elected to Congress from the South), and Emily Randall (first woman, LGBTQ person to represent Washington's 6th district) as marks of much-needed hope for our country.
In addition, states like Colorado and California saw overwhelming support for marriage equality and reproductive rights, a testament to the growing support for inclusive family protections and autonomy."Our hearts are broken but we are not broken," said Kantor. "While we are feeling sad, devastated, angry, or a combination of all of those emotions and more, one thing remains steadfast - Family Equality's focus on supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ families.
"We've been doing this work for 45 years and we're not stopping now. Along with our movement partners, we've got this. We've got us. The fight continues."
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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Tonya Agnew,
Vice President,
Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / [email protected]