National LGBTQ Task Force

As you reflect on your 2024 #CreatingChangeConference experience, let's underscore the words of Executive Director, Kierra Johnson during this year’s opening plenary, “I can’t get to freedom without YOU.” On behalf of our Board, staff, and volunteers, we say THANK YOU to all of you who attended. To the panelists, facilitators, institute coordinators, ambassadors—we could not have done this without you. #WeAreCreatingChange ?? This Conference is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we come together and push for greatness. See you in Las Vegas in 2025! ?? ?? Watch the full opening plenary here: https://lnkd.in/g79JqZYT [Video description: The video show Kierra Johnson standing on stage at the Creating Change Conference. She is behind a lectern with the Task Force and Creating Change logos on them. Kierra is wearing a white shirt with an orange skirt. Her hair is shoulder length and she's wearing black glasses.] [Transcript: Principled struggle is, we do not have to agree and be in lock step to be invested in our relationship, right? I'm invested in your success even if I disagree with you about this tactical move. I disagree with that statement you made. I disagree with that statement you made but I see your humanity and I'm committed to our relationship and I want to talk about it. I want to learn from you, I want to teach you some things. What I'm not going to do is say. you're unworthy now. We're going to cancel ourselves out of winning y'all. We're gonna cancel ourselves out for the win. We have got to practice being in principled struggle. How do we have divergent, right? Ways of doing, being seeing and still be in community? For me to still be able to see your humanity. for me to still love you. for me to still respect you. for me to still understand that our fates are still intertwined whether i'm mad at your or not. our fates are intertwined and we can't get to winning without each other. I can't get to freedom without you.] #CreatingChange #LGBTQEvents #LGBTQTaskForce #LGBTQSupport #LGBTQyouth #LGBTQrights #LGBTQRightsAreHumanRights #LGBTQActivism #LGBTQPride #LGBTQFaith #LGBTQCommunity #LGBTQIACommunity #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA #QTBIPOC #CC24

?? Exciting News! The National LGBTQ Task Force is thrilled to announce that the brilliant Tre’Vell Anderson (they/them) will be the Emcee for the 2025 Creating Change Conference in Las Vegas! ?? ?? About Tre’Vell Tre’Vell is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and thought leader, dedicated to elevating stories from underrepresented communities. They are the co-host of the critically acclaimed podcasts FANTI and What A Day, and the author of We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film. Known for their insightful cultural commentary and unwavering advocacy for justice and equity, Tre’Vell brings both gravitas and joy to every stage they grace. ?? About the 2025 Creating Change Conference Taking place January 22–26, 2025, at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Creating Change is the premier annual gathering for LGBTQ advocates, activists, and allies. Rooted in this year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance, Power & Love," the conference offers dynamic workshops, powerful plenaries, and a vibrant community committed to justice, equity, and liberation for all. With Tre’Vell at the helm as MC, this year’s conference promises to be inspirational, impactful, and unforgettable! ??? Save the Date:January 22–26, 2025 ?? Where: Las Vegas, NV ??? Join us: Visit https://lnkd.in/dfqg-hrh for registration and more info. #CreatingChange2025 #WeAreCreatingChange #TreVellAnderson #LGBTQCommunity #LasVegasEvents

On December 4th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear United States v. Skrmetti, a landmark case that challenges Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. ?? This hearing is critical, as the Court’s decision could redefine protections for transgender individuals under anti-discrimination laws and influence broader civil rights battles. At the core of the case is whether laws like Tennessee’s—which ban puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries for trans minors—constitute unlawful sex discrimination. The federal government argues that these bans single out transgender youth for unequal treatment, violating constitutional protections. ?? A ruling in favor of Tennessee, however, could not only uphold the ban but also embolden similar laws across the U.S. and possibly set the stage for restrictions on trans healthcare for adults. ?? Stay tuned to #TheTaskForce for more updates! #TransRights #SCOTUS #TransLivesMatter #LGBTQEquality

Today, #TheTaskForce mourns the loss of Coya White Hat-Artichoker (she/her), a remarkable leader, activist, and voice for Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous communities. Born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Coya dedicated her life to creating spaces of safety, equity, and empowerment for marginalized communities. As a proud member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a founding member of the First Nations Two Spirit Collective, she tirelessly worked to amplify Two Spirit voices in national queer rights conversations. Her legacy extends through her impactful work with organizations like Astraea, PFund, the Bush Foundation, and SisterSong, as well as her leadership in community health equity. From providing homes for homeless queer youth to advocating for systemic change, Coya’s contributions were immeasurable. A powerful voice for change, Coya joined our Democracy plenary as a featured panelist during the 2024 Creating Change Conference. While this is an incredible loss for the Movement and community, Coya’s wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to justice live on in the many lives she touched. May we honor her memory by continuing the work she championed.

Have you booked your hotel for #CreatingChange yet? ?? Don't miss this special discount rate with Rio Hotel and Casino Las Vegas—rooms are going fast! ?? Use the unique booking link in the "Hotel" tab at https://lnkd.in/dfqg-hrh. Creating Change is just around the corner and we can’t wait create change, celebrate queer joy, and plan for the year ahead. #WeAreCreatingChange ABOUT THE CONFERENCE ??January 22-26, 2025 ??Las Vegas, NV ??CreatingChange.org

Today, on Trans Day of Remembrance (#TDoR), the National LGBTQ Task Force honors the lives of our transgender siblings who have been tragically taken from us. ????? This solemn day reminds us of the ongoing epidemic of violence against the transgender community and underscores the urgent need to combat transphobia in all its forms. ?? We invite you to join us in remembering and uplifting those we have lost by #SayingTheirNames in the comments. Every name represents a cherished life, a story that matters, and a call to action for justice. #TDoR is about more than mourning; it’s a time to recognize the incredible resilience of the trans community and reflect on our collective responsibility to create a world where transgender lives are celebrated, affirmed, and protected. It’s a moment to honor the progress we’ve made while committing ourselves to the fight ahead for true equality. Let’s use today to advocate for change—through allyship, education, and pushing for inclusive policies that affirm the dignity of every transgender individual. Together, we can work toward a future where no one lives in fear, and everyone has the freedom to live authentically. ?? On this day, and every day, we stand united for justice, love, and liberation. #TransDayOfRemembrance [Image description: An image carousel of 4 slides. The first slide reads “Trans Day of Remembrance.” The following 3 slides list the names of all fallen Trans and GNC folx within the last year.]

"The reality is that racism and sexism were at play in this election," said President Kierra Johnson to Metro Weekly. "That is what this was about. We know that when you look at the exit polls so far, young people voted in their best interest. Black women voted in their best interest. There was overwhelming support of folks who identify as spiritual and religious outside of Evangelicals. This wasn’t about trans issues. This was about whether or not we had the courage to have a Black Asian woman lead us or not. We know authoritarianism and fascism have taken root in this country. There is nothing she could have said or done because the rhetoric coming out of the Trump campaign, the bigotry leaking out of that campaign, resonated unfortunately with far too many people. And that’s why we are where we are." ?? READ MORE HERE: https://lnkd.in/g-Zva3f3

For this year's final “X is a Queer Issue” IG Live Conversation, #thetaskforce’s Benjamin Coy will be joined by Task Force President, Kierra Johnson, discussing “The Future is a Queer Issue!” ?? Be sure to tune in on Friday, November 22nd at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT on #InstagramLive! We are so excited to continue these series of conversations highlighting topics that aren’t necessarily seen as traditional “queer issues” – but nevertheless deeply impact #queer folk’s ability to thrive, and live authentic and full lives. ?? Do you have some intersectional topics you think we should highlight? DM us! ?? #TheTaskForce #lgbtqiacommunity #XIAQI

?? Celebrating #TransgenderAwarenessWeek! ????? This week, we join the community in uplifting #transjoy, building understanding, and continuing to advocate for trans rights. ?? Observed every November, Transgender Awareness Week concludes with Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, a day to remember and honor those we’ve lost to violence and discrimination. ?? Follow #TheTaskForce for special highlights throughout the week and ways to show your support. ? ?? Join us in celebrating in the comments below! #TransAwarenessWeek

Thank YOU for helping to Build Queer Power this Election Season! Through determination and resilience, we showed up this election season to defend our rights and protect our communities. Despite the challenges and hateful rhetoric, our voices have been heard, and our impact is undeniable. ?? Together, we reached thousands of voters, educated communities on critical issues, and empowered countless people to stand up for a future of equity and justice. To our incredible volunteers and partner organizations: thank you. ?? Every call, every text, every door knock, and every conversation made a difference. In the face of adversity, you reminded us of our strength, unity, and the power we hold. Let’s continue forward, united and unbreakable. ??????? #QueerTheVote #NationalLGBTQTaskForce #ThankYou #Election2024