In an election cycle marked by vicious attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, last week’s midterm election results offered a glimmer of hope. Some LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have called the results a “rainbow wave,” as 340 out LGBTQ+ candidates won their midterm elections, surpassing the previous record of 336 candidates set in 2020.
“Bigots tried their best to undermine our political power, but their hate backfired and motivated more LGBTQ people to run and win than ever before,” said Annise Parker of the LGBTQ Victory Fund. “With so much at stake this election, from the future of marriage equality to abortion, LGBTQ candidates’ grit and exceptional grassroots support is paying off.”
Massachusetts’ own Maura Healey made history as the first lesbian governor ever elected. In her first post-election interview on CNN, Healey said, “Representation matters and seeing is believing, and I hope that my election will affirm in those young people this idea, so important, that they can be anything they want to be.”
While the long-term impact of this week’s elections remains to be seen, the day-to-day reality for LGBTQ+ individuals in our region and in our country is that their rights remain under assault. More than 300 bills have been introduced in the last year targeting access to gender-affirming care, queer identity in schools and other areas impacting LGBTQ+ people in education, healthcare, and sports, according to the ACLU.
Transgender and gender non-confirming individuals, in particular, are the target of severe discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20, 2022
5:00 p.m.
The First Parish Church
76 Church Green
Taunton, Massachusetts
The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network will host a special event on National Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, to commemorate the more than 32 transgender individuals murdered in the United States in 2022. The event highlights the mounting obstacles many trans individuals in our country face, including extreme levels of ridicule, discrimination, violence, and greater difficulty finding employment and adequate healthcare. It will be hosted by South Coast trans activist, the Reverend Donnie Anderson (she/her), with remarks by the First Parish Church’s new minister, the Reverend Dr. Michelle Walsh (she/her).
Finally, on Veterans Day, we remember and salute all the LGBTQ+ members who have bravely served our country and paved the wave for a more inclusive force. Thank you for your service.
The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds support programs and advocacy for LGBTQ+ residents of all ages on Massachusetts’ South Coast. To learn more or donate, visit https://www.sclgbtqnetwork.org. Thank you for your support!
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