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“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” — Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear Affinity Community & Friends,
With the inauguration of America’s new president, we acknowledge the range of emotions many of you are feeling, including fatigue, dread, anger, sadness, frustration, numbness, and bewilderment. Perhaps some of you are fired up and ready to go, while others are burned out and going off the grid to rest and recalibrate. Please know that your feelings and responses are valid, and you are not alone. Embrace your emotions, honor your boundaries, and show grace to yourselves and those who deserve it during this time.
Due to the inherent harm that will result from this new administration’s policies, the fact that Monday’s inauguration fell on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was an insufferable insult to the legacy of Dr. King and all who have fought and died for human and civil rights and liberty and justice for all.
There’s no need to sugarcoat or minimize the harm and suffering Trump Administration policies, rhetoric, and actions will cause countless people across our nation. Dozens of executive orders attacking civil rights, Black and brown communities, federal workers, LGBTQ+ people, undocumented immigrants, and climate change and the environment have already come down the pike. Some have gone into effect immediately, while federal lawsuits are already challenging others. We can expect cruel and oppressive legislation from not only the U.S. Congress but many states and counties across the country.
In the face of all this, however, Affinity remains unwavering in our commitment to serving, advocating, and building community with and amongst Black LGBTQ+ people. We draw strength and inspiration from a long line of Black queer and trans people - some who had none of the rights we have today and experienced levels of disrespect, discrimination, hostility, and violence we could only imagine. We seek wisdom and inspiration from our ancestors like Audre Lorde, Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Ruby Bridges, Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and countless others still among us. They know what it’s like to dream, organize, resist, persist, write, dance, live, and love through it all. We do, too. And we will continue to lean into joy and liberation.
In 2025 and beyond, Affinity will continue cultivating spaces of care, connection, learning, and community. We will share resources where people can access mutual aid, health and legal services, educational resources, and safe and affirming spaces to just be. We are proceeding with plans to host a series of programs and events celebrating Affinity’s 30th Anniversary, so stay tuned!
Know that through it all, Affinity is here for you and stands with you. We will not give in to despair. Our heads may feel heavy, but we’re holding them high. Our hearts may ache, but our backs are not broken.
We are reclaiming our time. We will not be silenced. And together, we persevere.
In community and solidarity,
Affinity Board of Directors
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