November 7, 2020

The results of the presidential election have now been determined, and while we cannot overstate the enormity of emotions that this election cycle has brought to so many of us, we must remember that much work remains to ensure our communities are truly equitable, affirming and safe. It is this continuous, and often complicated, march toward justice that we as advocates, activists and community members understand all too well, and must work together to fully realize. The unprecedented turnout that we saw this election season, thanks in large part to the years-long efforts led by BIPOC organizers around the country, especially Black women, to mobilize voters and fight voter suppression, is a heartening sign of how this work can make an impact.

Even as we look to the future with hope, we at The Center hear and understand the concern and anxiety that our community still feels, and we know that the months and years ahead will be challenging. But know that together we remain focused on our mission to protect and empower all LGBTQ people.

We must also remember that no elected official—including a sitting president—can impede fairness and accountability by a government that is formed by and for the people. We demand that our shared democractic principles be protected, and the laws that govern the integrity of our elections be respected. We denounce any attempt to threaten or exploit these values through fear, intimidation or misinformation.

Now the work of holding all our elected officials accountable continues. Our communities’ hard-fought civil and human rights can be strengthened or eroded at all levels of government, and the presidential election alone cannot guarantee our safety. Only by understanding this reality—and committing to ongoing action at the federal, state and local levels—will we be able to effect fundamental, lasting change.

To that end, we encourage all community members to heed the call of this moment, and join us as we champion these efforts through our statewide advocacy initiative, RiseOut. Whether it be through organizational partnership, volunteering with us or simply staying informed through our advocacy network, we invite you to mobilize with us to ensure a brighter future for all. Know that all of us at The Center stand with you in solidarity, no matter what.

Center statement on Election Day 2020

November 4, 2020

Today, amid great uncertainty and unease across the country, we want to reaffirm The Center’s commitment to supporting and uplifting our community. The Center has always served as a place where we take care of one another no matter the challenge. Born out of the AIDS crisis in the early eighties, The Center has been an integral safe space created for community, by community. Together we have nourished one another, fought, grieved, counseled, loved, celebrated and worked toward a more equitable, more just and more affirming future for all. The results of the presidential election will not end our steadfast commitment to fighting for a world where our communities are protected and everyone is celebrated for who they are.

While the results of the presidential election remain uncertain, here’s what we do know: As of this writing, the ballots in some states are still being counted. In New York State, ballots continue to be received by the Board of Elections. They will continue to be counted through the final delivery of absentee ballots on November 10. Once they have all been counted and the election results are certified by New York State, we still have to wait for all other voting jurisdictions to do the same, which may take time.

Our country has banded together to protect our shared democractic principles before, and we must do so again now. Voters will ultimately determine the outcome of the election, not any one candidate. Elections must be secure and accessible to all eligible voters, and every vote must be counted. We stand firmly with advocates, activists and community leaders in New York, and in cities and states across the country to reaffirm our values of integrity, demand justice and fight for a responsible and accountable democracy.

As an organization rooted in social justice and activism, we have seen the resiliency and strength of our community’s collective power time and time again, even in the face of uncertainty. Our mission remains unchanged and unwavering. No matter the outcome of this election, The Center will continue to promote connection and empowerment, safeguard the rights and protections we hold dear and advocate for justice and opportunity for our diverse community.

Join us for a town hall on Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. ET to talk about the outcomes of the election and the actions we can take together. We are also offering clinical and support services, including counseling and more, during this time.