In the wake of the election, we are collectively facing deep emotions and complex realities. There is fear, grief, anger, anxiety, and uncertainty. We invite you to wrap your strong arms around them and look into their eyes. Then, call forth your courage—the brave, resilient spirit of your heart. 

We have been here before. Our ancestors have resisted oppressive governments and forces that sought to erase us; resisters who mobilized to keep both our spirits and our bodies alive. We are their legacy. We continue because we must, and because we are worth every battle.

In the moments when we feel tired and results seem out of reach, may the memories of those we lost in this fight for our lives as Trans people give us the strength to keep going—to honor them, to honor ourselves, and to honor those of us to come. We are powerful. We will never be erased. 

Every day, GJL works with survivors of gender-based violence, hate crimes, sexual assault, and other forms of harm—and their bravery, resilience, brilliance, and tenacity inspires and emboldens us to demand a better world. Many of us are also survivors in many other ways—of family violence, of discrimination, of bigotry, of exclusion, of scapegoating, of isolation, of loneliness. We know the strength of our capacity for caring for ourselves and lifting each other up, and to draw from that individual and collective wisdom as we push forward. 

We are strongest as a collective. There are going to be a lot of needs in our community right now. If you are feeling safe, secure, and able, consider joining or supporting mutual aid groups and smaller, by-and-for organizations, financially or by volunteering your time or unique skills.  

This moment has only sharpened the urgency of our mission: to ensure that TwoSpirit, Trans, and Gender Diverse people can live our lives authentically, safely, and free from discrimination and violence. 

This is our promise to you: We will keep pushing for policies that protect us. We will keep offering direct support to our community members in urgent need. We will keep creating sacred Trans spaces where we can be joyous and free. We will deepen our commitment to sharing tools to support and elevate the voices and leadership in our community. 

We will not stop.

In solidarity and love,

Gender Justice League