[Washington, DC, December 9, 2024] – The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund today sent a letter outlining demands for action from the Executive branch and diversity caucuses as they approach the end of the Biden administration’s term and the inauguration of the second Trump administration on January 20th, 2025.
The following can be attributed to Kierra Johnson, President, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund:
“As we look forward, we are prepared for what’s to come. As many of our community leaders have shared, we’ve been here before with less access, support, and leverage. The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund has a designed purpose – to hold lawmakers, agencies, and systems accountable regardless of party supervision. This letter is one of many tools we will use to ensure LGBTQ lives are valued, that anti-LGBTQ political pressure doesn’t win, and that lawmakers choose people over party ahead of a trifecta government. We welcome members who would like to recommit their support and implore anyone who is on the fence to consider the needs of every constituent, by holding the line for LGBTQ lives.”
The letter includes the following directed at the Biden administration:
President Biden has the power to extend relief, and we’re demanding the following swift actions before January 20th:
- Authorize all federal agencies to implement policies that protect vulnerable communities protected information.
- Release all remaining available funding to LGBTQ NGOs and centers for future advocacy needs, universal healthcare, and community programs.
- Cancel all federal student debt under the Higher Education Act of 1965, which authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or release all current student debt for marginalized communities.
- Designate Temporary Protected Status to individuals from vulnerable countries, including Haiti, Mauritania, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Israel, Venezuela, Sudan, Ukraine, Cameroon, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
- Extend Deferred Enforced Departure designations for Palestine, Liberia, Lebanon, and Hong Kong.
- Protect LGBTQ-immigrant communities by authorizing DHS and USCIS to expedite all DACA, TPS, DED, Advanced Parole, and SIJ applications or renewals and finalize the rule to permanently extend EAD (employment authorization) automatic extension period from 180 days to 540 days.
- Release all TPS-eligible individuals from detention centers and cease all deportation efforts.
- Issue a blanket pardon for individuals with low-level sex and drug offenses, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized LGBTQ communities.
- Publish an Equal Rights Amendment with healthcare protections for all people regardless of sexual orientation, identity, and gender would benefit multiple communities. Bodily Autonomy and equitable healthcare are critical for all human beings. Moreover, President Biden must urge Congress to pass equitable healthcare legislation and to participate in bipartisan cooperation with the incoming administration and during the 119th Congress.
In addition, congressional caucuses including the progressive, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific Islander and Black caucuses were asked to take the following actions in support of LGBTQ communities:
- Vote NO on any anti-LGBTQ/anti-immigrant bill, amendment, or rider that will compromise the lives of marginalized communities. Which includes all negative riders present in the National Defense Authorization Act, Appropriations, and any negative immigrations provisions slated for reconciliation.
- Vote NO on HR9495, Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act as this bill hinders organization’s ability to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable.
- Strategically counter attacks on our community using procedural tools, public advocacy, and targeted messaging.
- Amplify truth-tellers, organizations on the ground, and voices fighting for anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ individuals in all aspects of life.
- Partner with the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund on targeted campaigns and tailor legislative actions that support our community.
About the Action Fund
The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is at the forefront of advancing the rights of all LGBTQ individuals and communities in America. Our mission is to conduct grassroots organizing and lobbying on legislation and ballot initiatives to achieve justice for LGBTQ people. The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund builds political power, takes action and creates change to achieve freedom and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people and their families. As a progressive social justice organization, the Task Force Action Fund works toward a society that values and respects the diversity of human expression and identity and achieves equity for all.
For more information: www.thetaskforceactionfund.org/.
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Contact: Cathy Renna, Director of Communications, crenna@thetaskforce.org, 917-757-6123
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