An Open Letter in Response to the National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans

Dear friends, allies, and supporters,

At Khesed Wellness, we are guided by the ethic of loving kindness, especially for those on the margins. We believe in the power of collective support, empathy, and action. Today, we are reaching out to you, our incredible community, to join us in advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals in this country.

As a non-binary founded non-profit with LGBTQIA+ representation among our leadership, therapists, administrative professionals, Board of Directors, and clients, we are committed to creating inclusive spaces where people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can thrive. We recognize that the LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges when it comes to mental health, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicide, stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to affirming resources. It is our mission to center the margins, address these issues and work toward a more equitable and compassionate future.

The unprecedented number of legislative attacks on our community, particularly on transgender and non-binary folx, has not only threatened the legal rights and safety of LGBTQIA+ youth, adults and families in this country. The combination of anti-transgender bias and persistent, structural racism have been especially devastating to transgender people of color. These attacks present a threat to our very basic human rights to live and love freely as our whole selves. This threat cannot be underestimated, and we must take action.

For the first time in history, the Human Rights Campaign has issued a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. A new report released by HRC details more than 75 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record. In light of this declaration, we call upon our supporters to unite and share a statement of support. Let us stand together, amplifying our collective voice, and show our unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and accepting world for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Khesed is joining HRC’s Count Me In campaign to advocate for the rights and lives of transgender and non-binary individuals, and we invite our community to take part and engage with HRC’s resources, including their guidebook for action. 

As LGBTQIA+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for everyone in our community. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. The more people who show they care and speak up for the most marginalized in our community, the more hearts and minds we will change.

To participate, we invite you to share your personal statement of support for LGBTQIA+ individuals on your preferred social media platform using the hashtag #LovingKindnessforQueerFolx. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ yourself or are an ally, your voice matters. By publicly affirming our support, we can inspire change and encourage others to join the cause.

Additionally, we encourage you to support other LGBTQIA+ focused organizations and initiatives in our local communities. Volunteer, donate, and participate in events that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals. Together, we can make a difference and foster a society that celebrates diversity and embraces the richness of human identity.

We also want to acknowledge that allyship and activism can look very different depending on the current state of your mental health. Khesed’s Queer & Trans Pro Bono Program provides 4 free mental health therapy sessions for folx in Colorado, Michigan, Texas, Illinois, and California. If you need support, please reach out. We’re here for you. We invite you to help us spread the word about our program, and give today if you are able.

By sharing your statement of support and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a powerful ripple effect of love, acceptance, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in this country and worldwide. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world.

Thank you for standing with us and supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people, especially transgender and non-binary folx. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a more inclusive and compassionate future for all.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Khesed Wellness