A LGBTQ center in the Shenandoah Valley is moving forward with “intention and purpose” despite the executive orders by President Donald Trump targeting transgender and nonbinary youth and adults, service members and immigrants.
The executive director of the Staunton-based Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, in a letter sent to supporters and donors on Sunday, said they are working to do everything they can to protect the supports and services they provide to the community.
“There have been a flurry of horrific executive orders signed by the current administration in the past two weeks,” said AnhThu Nguyen, also the director of Staunton Pride and chair of the City of Staunton’s DEI Commission. “Although concerning, it is important to note that EOs do not establish new laws without congressional approval and are subject to judicial challenge. They can be overturned and contested in court, in fact, many lawsuits are already underway.”
In the email, the center said its existence relies on resistance.
“These actions have created confusion as many scramble to fully understand how the orders are to be interpreted and implemented in downstream agencies,” Nguyen wrote.
“We know that many are scared and uncertain about what impact these actions will have.”
Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia health systems have suspended gender-affirming care for minors under 19 in response to directives from the White House and state officials.
“This has profoundly impacted many of our local families and youth,” she said.
The Trans Youth Emergency Project, led by the Campaign for Southern Equality, is helping trans youth continue accessing care in the wake of these cruel attacks, Nguyen said.
The Center is not directly impacted by the federal grant freeze also ordered by the Trump Administration. However, they have been impacted by the rollback of DEI initiatives and grant funding by local corporations and are seeking alternative revenue and funding streams to bridge the gap.
At this time, the Center has no disruption in programs or services.
Nguyen invited supporters to join Equality Virginia’s LGBTQ Lobby Day in Richmond on Feb. 11.
For more information, assistance or referrals, contact Shenandoah LGBTQ Center staff.
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Crystal Graham
