Dear friends,
I’m in shock. The most openly bigoted candidate ever to stand for the highest office in the United States just won the Presidential election.
Here at All Out, we are devastated. It's an utterly shameful result. We believe it puts millions of American citizens at risk – including LGBT people.
It’s so tempting to just give up – but I’m not backing down. I won’t let the world’s biggest bully scare me. Because I know that during our darkest hour, if we stand together, we stand strong.
Millions of decent Americans and their friends will stand together. We will stand in solidarity and will protect LGBT people and all others who have been targeted in this dreadful campaign. We will have their backs.
We've already seen Trump stir up unthinkable hatred and violence against minorities. Who knows what will now be unleashed against LGBT citizens?
The Republican platform that Trump campaigned under rejects the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on equal marriage, supports banning transgender people from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, legitimises so-called gay "conversion therapy," and encourages businesses to deny service to LGBT Americans.
These are the very real battles we now face under the Trump regime. If we aren’t ready to fight back, Trump is going to turn back the clock on our rights very, very soon.
Mike Pence will serve as Vice President, representing another terrifying threat to LGBT people. This is a man who has built a career on pushing through anti-LGBT legislation. He is an appalling homophobe and bigot.
Pence was one of the first governors to pass a "religious freedom" bill, allowing companies in Indiana to turn away LGBT customers. He rubs elbows with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) – one of America's most powerful anti-LGBT extremist groups.
And the U.S. isn’t the only country in trouble. Once in the White House, this dangerous duo can easily influence other countries with their bigotry.
Stand by for more ways to raise your voice with millions of others to demand safety and dignity for all.
In solidarity and strength,
Matt Beard
Executive Director
