Thank You

A week ago, our year end fundraising campaign came to an end.  I am so grateful for the show of support that we received, and I want to say thank you to all who contributed. The campaign affirmed a powerful message: that any progress we make in 2021 toward equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, must be created together.

As I watched the shocking scenes unfold yesterday in Washington, DC and Lansing, I was reminded that a new year and a new administration doesn’t necessarily mean our work will be any easier. Hate against LGBTQ+ individuals has had a safe harbor for too long. Family rejection will still push queer youth to the streets. Discrimination will still cause job loss and curb access to health care. And divisions that exist in our state and nation will delay progress on solutions to injustice and inequality.

That is why the Create 2021 campaign was so important. 

Not only did it help replace revenue that we would typically raise during the Winter Gala, the reassuring generosity of so many individuals will ensure that our work will continue into this new year. Together, we will maintain our efforts to build coalitions and organize our communities. We will increase our reach into the growing number of homeless youth. We will sustain our peer support groups, increase our list of community resources and expand our network of advocates. 

Collectively we will create a community that is safe, strong and #AlwaysOutFront. Thank you for standing together as this year unfolds.

In solidarity,

Amy Hunter, Executive Director
OutFront Kalamazoo