As Pride month approaches, we acknowledge that LGBTQ+ history is firmly rooted in protesting against police violence and abuse. This history and movement has been led by transgender and queer people of color. Let us never forget who championed and led the way so you and I could live a better life.

RYC stands in solidarity with the black community and with Black Lives Matter. RYC stands by our values and must continue to help create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community.

RYC recognizes the lives that have been taken. We stand against police brutality and against white supremacy.

• George Floyd pleading for air as a Minneapolis, MN police officer kneeled on his neck and slowly drained the life from his body.

• Breonna Taylor dying after Louisville, KY police kicked down her door and shot her eight times while she slept.

• Ahmaud Arbery being murdered at the hands of white vigilantes in Brunswick, GA as he jogged through a predominantly white neighborhood.

• At least 11 people losing their lives during protests seeking justice for George Floyd, many of them Black.

• Transgender people – Black transgender people in particular – are the most at risk. In 2020 alone at least 12 members of the trans community have been killed: Dustin Parker, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Yampi Méndez Arocho, Monika Diamond, Lexi, Johanna Metzger, Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, Layla Pelaez Sánchez, Penélope Díaz Ramírez, Nina Pop, Helle Jae O’Regan, and, most recently, Tony McDade.

These are just the people we know of. There are countless other Black lives lost due to violence and systemic racism.

While awareness is important, it is not a substitute for action. We must support Black organizational leadership, including LGBTQ+ community centers and businesses led by Black CEOs, Executive Directors and owners. We must continue to raise up black and communities of color voices.

RYC has made a commitment to include racial equity into our work. We will continue to make our platform available for the people who need to be heard. And we will continue to hold ourselves accountable to these promises. We have an opportunity and an obligation to take additional action by voting for lawmakers who support equality and fight against racism at the national, state, and local levels. These elected officials have a direct impact on social justice issues in our communities. To move our country forward and bring lasting change, it is vital that we raise awareness in the streets and cast our ballots at the polls.

Black Lives Matter. RYC stands in solidarity with the Black community.