Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and mark the start of a new chapter on Inauguration Day, we hold space for the mix of emotions today brings.

May Dr. King’s words remind us that love and power are not opposites; they are interdependent. In his book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, he wrote, 

“What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive and that love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”

At this moment, our community has choices to make. Will we allow chaos to divide us? Or will we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, against the aggression and hate that threatens our collective humanity? 

We believe in the latter. And we know you do too. Every moment of queer joy we create and share together is a testament to our collective strength and resilience. 

We see young people leading with courage and creativity, carrying Dr. King’s vision forward. They remind us that this work is far from over, and every one of us has a role to play.

When we asked supporters this question: “If you had 1 minute with a queer or trans young person, what would you want them to know?” You responded:

“That they are so brave, so beautiful, so worthy, and they are NOT ALONE! We got you. <3”

“You know yourself better than anyone, trust yourself, be kind to yourself, keep going.”

“We are going to be the ones that get each other through this.  Queer people have always created community to protect, celebrate, and lift up one another.  Look to each other, to your elders, to the brave new generation even younger than you, for the strength, humor, love, and solidarity needed to not just survive, but thrive. We will persist, we will find joy, and we will fight for a world that is just.  We see you, value you, and need you in the movement.”

This is the love and community that will sustain and guide us toward justice for all.

Our team at Outright wants you to know that we remain steadfast in our commitment to being here for LGBTQ+ and allied youth, their families and caregivers, and communities, building the future that LGBTQ+ youth deserve.  

And let us remember, hope rises when we focus on justice. 

Below are upcoming opportunities to find your people and connect with an amazing community.

• Friday Night Group will continue to meet weekly, offering space for queer youth to make friends, get support, and just be themselves without fear.

• Trans Parent Group will continue to be a space where the parents and caregivers of trans youth can support each other and share information about how to help their kids to be the best possible version of themselves. 

• Outright will continue to provide opportunities like Youth Organizing and Leadership Day where youth can build their capacity for leadership, make their voices heard, and enact positive change.

• The Rise Up For Youth Coalition will continue to coordinate and share resources to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of Vermont youth.

And there’s so much more to come!

It’s the power of love and the strength of community that allow us to persist and progress even through the darkest moments. Together, we can build the future we all deserve.