By Andrea Montañez*
07 Oct 2024, 17:55 PM EDT
My work as an activist has helped me build a community full of charm and solidarity, but not everything is rosy. Over the years the LGBTQ+ community has suffered many abuses and has had to fight to be recognized and respected. That is why we understand what is at stake in these presidential elections.
The equity, health and safety of our communities are at risk. All of our hard-won gains are threatened by the Republican candidate, who also attacks reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, immigration, the right to vote, the education system, healthcare, and much more.
It is no secret that former President Donald Trump has destroyed protections against LGTBQ+ discrimination and attacked protection measures for trans youth in schools. But just as one day I decided to join the Colombian army and later the Administrative Department of Security (DAS) to capture Pablo Escobar, today I am filled with the same energy and strength to fight for the rights of the LGTBQ+ community. in the United States.
Recently, I had the honor of attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago alongside well-known author, activist, and community organizer Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. And together we recognize the importance of mobilizing our community during the presidential elections.
In total, more than 800 people, a record number of LGBTQ delegates, gathered in Chicago to highlight the importance of remaining present and active at this time.
Miss Major taught me that our place at events like the Democratic National Convention will never be guaranteed, but it is our duty to organize to fight for a just, free and equitable future in our country.
I personally felt the strength and joy that Democratic candidate Kamala Harris projected during the conference, and that energy made me feel empowered to continue my work as a trans organizer. I did not transition to be an activist, but seeing the injustices that immigrants and the trans community experience, I was motivated to take action to make a change. My goal now is to convey the magic I witnessed in Chicago and mobilize those around me to tell their stories and to exercise their right to vote in the hope of a better future.
I have always said that trans people are a gift and that immigrants are not the problem, we never have been, in fact, we are part of the solution and with our power of voting we can ensure a safe nation for our community! That’s why when I hear attacks against our community from candidate Trump, it is more than clear to me that candidate Harris is the one who will fight for us. The invitation is clear and historic from the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, we must support Harris this coming November 5th.
By Andrea Montañez, Field Organizer, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
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