Who writes the next chapter for the LGBTQ+ movement?

But progress always brings backlash, and our path has never been linear. In 2016, the Pulse nightclub shooting tragically reminded us of the hatred that still lurks in the margins of society. Forty-nine people were killed in a place they should have evacuated to. But in the wake of that tragedy, we united in refusing to let hate define us. Through our grief, we found resilience. Through the pain, we found determination.

But today our movement faces one of its most formidable challenges. Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is not just a political shock, but a direct threat to the United States. LGBTQ It’s a right strengthened by Project 2025, a far-reaching agenda with chilling goals. This moment is not just about policy changes or legal setbacks. It’s about confronting a vision of America that rejects LGBTQ identities as incompatible with the narrowly defined “traditional family.” Project 2025 proposes dismantling decades of progress by falsely claiming that “only heterosexual, two-parent families” can provide a stable foundation for children. Its goal is to erase the protections, rights, and visibility that LGBTQ people have fought for generations to establish.

But we know the truth.

LGBTQ people have always been here, contributing to their communities, caring for their loved ones, and building families that enrich American society. We are part of the heart and soul of this nation, an integral part of this nation’s melting pot, and the key to creating love, security, and stability for ourselves and those we care about. I have never needed permission. Just as we did at Stonewall, we will defend the right of belonging in every corner of this country.

Despite our threats, our movement is growing stronger every day.

This past election cycle was a testament to our resilience. All LGBTQ+ incumbents in Congress were re-elected, including Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who won a hard-fought campaign filled with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. We made Sarah McBride the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, Emily Randall the first openly transgender LGBTQ leader in Washington state, and Julie Johnson the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. We made history by electing LGBTQ representatives. In contrast, people like Eim Wichtendahl broke barriers as Iowa’s first openly transgender state representative.

These victories are not isolated. They reflect a growing awareness of our voices. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Americans will soon take the oath of office at the state and local level, fundamentally advancing equality. These victories are due to the tireless efforts of our community and LGBTQ Victory Fund – The only national organization dedicated to electing pro-equality, pro-choice LGBTQ leaders to public office at all levels, we have raised more than $1.4 million to support these candidates.

So what can you do now? Uniting is essential, but it is not enough. We need action, and it starts with our voices at the polls. We must hold accountable all politicians who support the erosion of LGBTQ rights, even in silence. We must rally our families, friends, and allies to elect leaders who see LGBTQ people as members of our families, not threats to them.

Voting is not just a right. It is a powerful act of resistance in this climate.

Our history also shows that courts are crucial in this fight. Today, we need to redouble our support to organizations such as: lambda legal, ACLU,and human rights campaignOur attorneys are ready to defend our rights against discriminatory policies. Their work requires resources such as funding, volunteers, and public support. Together, we can ensure these groups have the power to defend our communities in every courtroom.

Locally, we must encourage cities, towns, and states to enact and maintain health care, housing, and education protections. Building inclusive communities creates sanctuaries of acceptance and resilience. And local wins lay the foundation for broader change.

Finally, we must continue to share our stories. Project 2025 and its promoters may try to wipe us out. Yet, our lived experience trumps their rhetoric of division and fear. By sharing our lives, our love stories, and our families, we remind this nation of our humanity. Every time we make ourselves known, we remind America that we are part of the American story. Every space we occupy, in person, online, at work, in our neighborhoods, becomes an act of courage and defiance.

The stakes are high, but we’re not used to high-stakes battles. Our movement has been forged in fire and built on resilience. The fight for LGBTQ equality has never been easy, but it has always been worth it. We owe it to those who rioted at Stonewall, to the lives lost at Pulse, and to all those who fought, loved, and sacrificed for our right to exist. .

And we owe it to ourselves to keep moving forward. This is not the end of our story, but another chapter. Let it be one of resilience, unity, and unyielding courage. We have faced hate before and overcome it. In this battle, we do more than just survive. We will continue to thrive, build, and envision a future that welcomes us all.

alex gabriel A political strategist and entrepreneur, he served as senior advisor on LGBTQ+ and youth voter engagement for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and co-chaired the Out for Biden coalition.