This week, our government made a chilling announcement: President Trump declared, “There will only be two genders recognized by the federal government: male and female.” This statement is not just rhetoric; it signals a stark rollback of protections for transgender individuals and a broader dismissal of the queer community’s lived experiences.
What This Means for Trans People
For our trans siblings, this shift in federal policy is devastating. It denies their identities, threatens their safety, and places them at greater risk of discrimination in housing, healthcare, and employment. When a government refuses to recognize its own citizens, it sends a message that their humanity is up for debate. This is unacceptable.
But this is not the first time we have faced such blatant disregard for our rights. In the 1980s, during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, our community was abandoned by the government. We were denied housing, hospital care, and employment—left to fend for ourselves while an epidemic ravaged our lives.
What Saved Us Then Will Save Us Now
When the world turned its back on us, we turned to each other. Here in Kansas City:
The KC Care Clinic was established to provide compassionate medical care to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Save Inc stepped in to create housing for patients who had nowhere else to go.
The AIDS Service Foundation raised funds, organized events, and ensured that those we lost were remembered with dignity.
Lesbians in our community led the charge when so many gay men were dying, proving that solidarity and love are our most powerful tools.
We survived by leaning on one another. And today, we must do the same.
Our Call to Action
The queer community of Kansas City has always been resilient, but resilience alone is not enough. We must act—not just for ourselves but for the generations that will come after us.
Here’s how we can take action together:
Advocate for Trans Rights: Contact your local, state, and federal representatives to demand protections for transgender individuals. Speak up and make your voice heard.
Show Up for the Community: Attend events, support queer-owned businesses, and stand in solidarity with those who are most affected by these policies.
Educate and Inform: Learn about the issues facing trans and queer people and share this knowledge with your circles. Knowledge is power, and it helps combat ignorance and hate.
Support Local Organizations: Groups like KC Care Clinic, Save Inc. and Our Spot KC continue to provide vital services to our community. Your support makes a difference.
Building a Stronger Future
Kansas City has a proud legacy of standing together in the face of adversity. From grassroots organizing to creating safe spaces, we have always found ways to thrive despite the challenges. This moment is no different. Together, we can build a future where all LGBTQ+ individuals are valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
Let us honor the courage of those who came before us by continuing their work. Let us act with the same determination that built our community in the face of neglect and hate. And let us create spaces where queer joy, resilience, and solidarity shine brightly.
We are here for you. We see you. We stand with you.
With love and determination,
Queer Connect KC Team
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