These "United" States

If you have been living in your world with #cisgender , #heterosexual #privilege and haven't been paying attention to what's happening to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, shame on you. It's time for you to wake up and pay attention.

This is a recent quote from Kelley Robinson, HRC President. I've highlighted some of the keywords in bold font. Could you take a moment to read it?

LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous. In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk. As we kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month, HRC will be working tirelessly to educate and arm the LGBTQ+ community with information and resources to ensure their safety — whether they’re planning summer travel through regions that are becoming increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ people, or whether they already live in a state where legislative assaults and political extremism are continuing to put a target on our backs.

“There is an imminent threat to the health and safety of millions of LGBTQ+ people and families, who are living every day in uncertainty and fear. Our number one priority will always be ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are safe and have the tools they need to defend and protect themselves against acts of hostility, discrimination and — in the most extreme cases — violence. It’s also incumbent on our allies across the country to stand with us and make it clear that they won’t sit idly by while extremists attack and malign LGBTQ+ people and our families. We’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure the safety and dignity of every LGBTQ+ person is respected and protected — without exception.”

This is HRC's first ever emergency declaration . Let that sink in. They have even issued a downloadable guidebook .

Please download, read, and share this guidebook.

The 2023 state legislative session was the worst year on record for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation:

More than 525 bills were introduced in 41 states.

Over 220 of these bills explicitly targeted transgender people.

Over 76 bills have been signed into law as of June 5, 2023 — more than any year on record, and more than double over last year.

As a #transgender man, this is what I need you to know:

The LGBTQ+ community continues to endure systemic #discrimination , #violence , and #marginalization in many parts of the world. This emergency declaration is a sobering reminder that progress can be fragile, and the #rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community are far from guaranteed.

Every day, we face verbal and physical assaults, discrimination in housing and #employment , denial of #healthcare , and many other challenges simply because of our #SexualOrientation or #GenderIdentity . We live in constant fear of #harassment , rejection, and even death.

In these moments of crisis, #allies like you are needed more than ever. Your support can make a profound difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a more #inclusive and accepting society. Here are some steps you can take to stand with us:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the challenges our community faces, including issues like #legal rights, #MentalHealth , and disparities in healthcare. Knowledge is a powerful tool for dismantling #prejudice and creating understanding.
• Amplify our Voices: Use your platform, whether social media, conversations with friends and family, or public speaking, to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and #advocate for equal rights and protections. Share personal stories, engage in respectful dialogue, and help create a more inclusive narrative.
• Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Donate your time, resources, and/or funds to local and national organizations that champion LGBTQ+ rights, provide vital services, and fight for equality. Help amplify their impact and strengthen the support network for the community.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with your elected representatives, attend town hall meetings, and participate in peaceful demonstrations to advocate for #legislation that protects the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Your voice matters, and collective action can create meaningful change.
• Be an Active Ally Every Day: Remember that #allyship is an ongoing commitment. Challenge your #biases , call out discrimination when you see it, and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely. Small acts of kindness and acceptance can profoundly impact someone's life.

This is just a short list of actions to take. There are many more. Feel free to add more in the "Comments" section. Share this article with others.

Our community is resilient, but we cannot face this emergency alone. Your support, solidarity, and unwavering dedication to #justice and equality can help turn the tide and create a brighter future for all. Let us stand together, hand in hand, and work tirelessly to ensure that every LGBTQ+ individual can live with dignity, respect, and true freedom.

FIRST THEY CAME – BY PASTOR MARTIN NIEM?LLER

First, they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me.