With the end of Pride month, Women’s Advocates wants to ensure that the conversations and advocacy around LGBTQIA+ issues don’t end as well. While the festivities and support during Pride month may leave individuals feeling as if the LGBTQIA+ community is fully accepted, that is not the reality. Identity-based discrimination and domestic violence still exist and still deserve our attention.
In a recent New York Times article, “Stonewall Hasn’t Ended,” Transgender Law Center Director Chesnut writes, “When black transgender women call the police because of domestic violence, they are often arrested or not taken seriously, forcing them to stay in dangerous situations […] the truth is Stonewall never ended.” Stonewall never ended—LGBTQIA+ folx continue to face oppression, discrimination, and identity-based violence. Police still largely discount the severity of abuse and the stories of LGBTQIA+ survivors when they do come forward.
LGBTQIA+ individuals deserve equality, safety, and dignity. They deserve equal support services, access to care, and opportunities. While Women’s Advocates provides safe shelter for LGBTQIA+ survivors, not all organizations do. The first step to changing these facts is understanding. For those new to the conversation around domestic violence in the LGBTQIA+ community, we suggest checking out our website page on domestic violence in the LGBTQIA+ community. This article will walk you through the basics and help provide a context for why LGBTQIA folx often don’t seek help. In addition, this page provides concrete examples of what individuals can do to support the LGBTQIA+ community and advocate for better support services.
We believe the future is brighter, but we can’t get there without you. If you are able, consider donating to your local LGBTQIA+ services or your local shelters. If you are experiencing domestic violence or an abusive relationship, we see you. No one deserves abuse. Here at Women’s Advocates, we believe that safety and dignity are basic human rights, which is why we provide education, advocacy, and safe shelter. You can reach the Women’s Advocates crisis line at 651-227-8284 or the main office at 651-227-9966.
Author credit: Claire Holtz is a Minnesota-based writer and researcher. With a minor in gender and sexuality studies, a BA in philosophy, and an MBA focused on integrated marketing communications, Claire strives to break down barriers and use words as tools of change. You can find her other work here.