For Immediate Release:
June 28, 2023
Press Contact:
Carmel Pryor
press@allianceforyouthaction.org
WASHINGTON – As Pride Month comes to a close, Alliance for Youth Action celebrates the ongoing fight toward freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. While Pride Month is a moment to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and the progress we’ve made, attacks on LGBTQ+ folks run rampant, and the over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced across the country this year alone shows the heightened threat to the community. In the face of these challenges, Alliance for Youth Action youth organizers continue to mobilize young people and use their power to protect LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.
Here are some recent examples of LGBTQ+ activism across the network:
New Hampshire Youth Movement
The New Hampshire Youth Movement, alongside their state partners, defeated every anti-LGBTQIA bill filed in 2023 at the New Hampshire legislature. Young organizers in New Hampshire demonstrated the power of uplifting youth voices to block dangerous legislation and uphold the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Now, NHYM organizers are pushing for the passage of HB 315 to ban the legal defense strategy called the “gay panic defense” that can be used by a defendant to justify killing an LGBTQ+ person. NHYM also kicked off a campaign to make New Hampshire a sanctuary for trans people seeking gender-affirming care.
Forward Montana
The Montana state legislature fell into the limelight after censuring State Rep. Zooey Zephyr during the state debate over banning gender-affirming care of minors. Forward Montana stood in solidarity with Rep. Zephyr, organizing debriefing spaces with young LGBTQAI+ community members and mobilizing over 1,000 calls against SB99 to pressure their lawmakers. Izzy Milch, Senior Advocacy Manager at Forward Montana, a constituent of Rep. Zooey Zephyr, and an organizer of a rally after the vote to censure Rep. Zephyr wrote this op-ed about how Montana’s queer and trans communities are fighting against fascism.
Loud Light
Loud Light has been fighting on the legislative front lines against HB 2238 in Kansas, a bill that would ban transgender women and girls from competing on sports teams. Initially vetoed by the Governor, the Kansas Legislature subsequently overrode the bill. Despite the defeat, Loud Light has continued mobilizing their network, honoring the history of LGBTQ+ organizers who fought before them, and training their base through their “Pride was a Riot” event on civil disobedience in LGBTQ+ movements.
MOVE Texas
Earlier this year, MOVE Texas convened youth organizers for their Youth Capitol Takeover. 350 young voters and lifetime organizers came together at the Texas capitol to demand progressive change from state lawmakers. Their presence was an act of resistance uplifting LGBTQ+ community members to speak out against anti-trans legislation.
Engage Miami
Alongside organizers across Florida, Engage Miami fought against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation throughout the legislative session, including the expansion of the Don’t Say Gay law. Engage Miami uplifted their partners and provided support to LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida.
If you would like to speak with Alliance for Youth Action organizers about their efforts fighting anti-LGBTQIA legislation and rhetoric across the country, please reach out to Vice President of Communications and Engagement Carmel Pryor (press@allianceforyouthaction.org).
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