Kierra Johnson on Reversing Anti-LGBTQ+ Sentiments and Building Community

After Donald Trump took office, marking what many consider one challenging period in terms with regard LGBTQ+ rights, Kierra Johnson had her work cut out at 2025 Creating Change conference. As she stood before a thousand queer activists, she laid out her thoughts on where we stand and where we need go concerning LGBTQ+ rights.

Kierra, who proudly identifies as a bisexual Black woman from South, took charge National LGBTQ Task Force in 2021 after leading a reproductive justice non-profit. She didn't hold back as she shared her vision, ways get unexpected allies involved, and stressed importance maintaining mental health within community.

Adding Native American land acknowledgments

Johnson emphasized how important symbols are, but only when backed genuine action and understanding. That's why National LGBTQ Task Force decided incorporate Native American land acknowledgments its events, recognizing history and presence Indigenous communities.

"If anyone understands power symbols, it LGBTQ community," Johnson stated. Task Force worked closely Indigenous leaders ensure these acknowledgments were respectful evolving and educational.

Closing generational gaps in LGBTQ+ community

Johnson talked about bringing different generations together, stressing importance meaningful conversations between young and old. She pushed moving beyond just interacting online creating real-life, lasting relationships.

She called out need intentional efforts build community spaces that promote intergenerational learning and growth, while acknowledging challenges posed by our fast-paced and tech-driven lives.

Reaching out new allies: inclusive coalition-building

Discussing how queer community could expand its support network, Johnson pointed out possibility forming alliances with groups historically seen unlikely partners. By focusing shared issues instead solely identity, she urged movement find common ground diverse communities.

"We gotta stop drinking Kool-Aid our opposition and start real conversations," she advised, placing value on direct engagement over accepting stereotypes assumptions.

Emphasizing mental health community support LGBTQ+ individuals

Johnson addressed mental health crisis hitting LGBTQ+ community hard due systemic oppression lack access quality care. Task Force wants create spaces where members can feel both supported vulnerable, aiming break cycles trauma harm.

She emphasized need creating new support networks while protecting existing places that offer refuge and resources. Taking cues from historical community practices, she advocated grassroots support systems operating outside formal institutions.

Addressing root causes LGBTQ+ oppression

In taking on anti-LGBTQ+ narratives, Johnson highlighted need focus on real sources these issues, like extremist organizations discriminatory policies. Her plan involves educating youth reclaiming educational spaces so future generations are both informed empowered.

Local national strategies: impacting LGBTQ+ causes

Johnson shared successful local initiatives, like those in Central Florida, where LGBTQ+ groups teamed up with abortion rights advocates, showcasing power intersectional activism.

By pooling knowledge, strategies, resources, Johnson believes movement can build stronger, more inclusive coalitions ready tackle upcoming challenges.

Kierra Johnson's vision straightforward: through intentional outreach, building coalitions, mental health focus, LGBTQ+ movement withstand political pressures emerge stronger more unified.