Louisville, KY (November 8, 2024) – In the wake of the recent election results, The Louisville Pride Foundation acknowledges the collective disappointment, anxieties, and deep sense of grief felt within the community. The outcome of this election poses unique challenges to marginalized groups, and the Louisville Pride Foundation is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
“We are all dealing with a sense of grief after this election and we need to feel it then put the armor back on,” says Ebony Cross, Executive Director of Louisville Pride Foundation. “We understand the fear and uncertainty many are experiencing. As a Black, masculine-presenting woman, I share those fears. But we cannot allow fear to paralyze us. We must channel our emotions into action.”
The Louisville Pride Foundation invites community members to drop in for the ongoing support group, Just Talking, every Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Follow us on social media @louprideky for updates on resources and events, and reach out to our team of LGBTQ social workers and community health workers who are here to connect you to LGBTQ-affirming resources and support.
The Louisville Pride Foundation remains unwavering in its dedication to providing a safe and inclusive space for the community. The center will not only continue its vital work but expand its efforts to offer critical resources and advocacy for those who need it most. This includes:
- Maintaining Current Operations: The center will remain open for drop-ins every Tuesday through Saturday (12:00pm-7:00pm), ensuring uninterrupted access to support groups, health and harm reduction services, the food pantry, and social activities, including youth-centered activities and zones. The center provides social services, activities, as well as quiet safe spaces for community members to be themselves.
- Expanding Outreach Programs: Louisville Pride Foundation will actively reach out to vulnerable populations who may be at increased risk of discrimination and violence to develop programming that meets their unique and imminent needs.
- Strengthening Advocacy Efforts: The organization will intensify its advocacy efforts at the local and state levels, working to protect the rights and safety of the community.
“These election results do two things: make our support stronger and the message that ‘we are here and will not be rattled’ bolder,” asserts Cross. “We are confident that our community will rally behind us and support our efforts to combat the forces of hatred and division. We are here to stay, and we will not be intimidated.”
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the election outcome, The Louisville Pride Foundation also sees opportunities for progress. The organization will leverage its strong relationships with state-level allies and capitalize on the divisions within the opposing party to advance its agenda.
“We will continue all of the important work that we do because our community needs it and they’ll be coming to us. They’ll look to us for strength, and we need to be ready to provide it,” Cross told the staff of the Louisville Pride Foundation on Wednesday.
“We will use every tool at our disposal to push forward and protect the rights of our community. We are prepared for a long and difficult fight, but we are confident that we will prevail.”
The Louisville Pride Foundation calls upon the community to join them in this fight. Together, they will work to build a more just and equitable society for all.
About The Louisville Pride Foundation:
The Louisville Pride Foundation is a non-profit organization that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all people. It produces the annual Louisville Pride Festival, a free community celebration held in September on Bardstown Road and manages the Louisville Pride Center, an LGBTQ+ community center in Old Louisville. The Center offers a wide range of services, including harm reduction, The Food Pantry, free social programming, HIV services and support groups, and more.
Contact:
Sandra Carpenter