Strategies for LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Community Resilience in Challenging Times

In the wake of the inauguration of an administration perceived as hostile to LGBTQ+ rights, many in the community have been grappling with how to navigate these challenging times. Kierra Johnson, the President of the National LGBTQ Task Force, addressed this pressing issue during her keynote speech at the 2025 Creating Change conference.

The Importance of Symbolic Actions

Johnson, a bisexual Black Southerner, emphasized the significance of symbolic actions that are backed by genuine commitment. For instance, the National LGBTQ Task Force incorporated a Native American land acknowledgment into its opening plenary as a response to requests from Indigenous communities. "Symbols are important," Johnson noted, "when people are committed to action and learning in combination with those symbols." This approach underscores the importance of being responsive to community needs and fostering meaningful representation.

Fostering Intergenerational Connections

Johnson highlighted the importance of bridging generational knowledge gaps within the LGBTQ+ movement. She pointed out that modern society often isolates different age groups from one another, but building intergenerational relationships is crucial. "We have better relationships with our phones than we do with real, live people," Johnson remarked. To counter this, the movement must intentionally create spaces that allow for community building and the sharing of experiences across generations.

Building Unconventional Coalitions

Johnson also discussed the potential for reaching out to unexpected allies, including faith communities. Recognizing the harm that has historically been caused by religious institutions, there is an opportunity to re-contextualize spirituality in a way that includes and supports LGBTQ+ individuals. "We have to stop drinking the Kool-Aid of what our opposition is saying," Johnson asserted, urging the community to engage in genuine conversations that transcend traditional identity politics.

Prioritizing Mental Health

One of the most significant challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community is mental health, exacerbated by systemic oppression and limited access to quality care. Johnson emphasized the need for grace and vulnerability in community interactions as a means of healing. "If you are giving me grace, all of a sudden, I feel like I now have a co-conspirator in helping me move through difficult things," she explained. This approach encourages breaking cycles of hurt and fostering supportive environments.

Reclaiming and Protecting Safe Spaces

In a political climate that seeks to undermine safe spaces for queer individuals, Johnson stressed the importance of both creating new supportive environments and defending existing ones. "We’ve always created ways of taking care of each other in our neighborhoods," she noted, advocating for grassroots, community-based solutions that do not rely solely on institutions.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Johnson urged the movement to focus on structural issues, such as the influence of conservative organizations that have impeded educational access and awareness. "There’s a reason kids don’t know, and it was by design," she stated, emphasizing the need to reclaim control of educational narratives and resources.

Strategies for Local and National Advocacy

Local organizing efforts, like those in Central Florida, demonstrate the power of intersectional advocacy that aligns LGBTQ+ rights with broader issues such as reproductive justice. "We try to grow the coalition, not shrink the coalition," Johnson emphasized, highlighting the importance of sharing resources and strategies across states to build effective national campaigns.

Overall, Johnson’s insights provide a roadmap for strengthening the LGBTQ+ movement through intentional, inclusive, and strategic actions. By focusing on community resilience, intergenerational learning, and coalition building, the movement can continue to advance despite challenging political landscapes.