LGBTQ+ Resolution

WHEREAS, On August 25, 2017, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated, "We pledge today to stand with our transgender brothers and sisters as we continue to fight any efforts to codify discrimination into law;" and

WHEREAS, The NAACP, therefore, passed a Resolution at said Convention in which it determined that the NAACP shall encourage the promotion of diversity and sensitivity trainings in all NAACP trainings and programs to encourage the inclusion of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community as active civil rights activists and fighters within the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Everyone is aware of the discrimination that people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and people of color face. However, many people don't realize the compounded life challenges a person faces when they are part of both communities; and

WHEREAS, A major challenge of being both LGBTQ+ and a person of color is being subjected to compounding systems of oppression such as homophobia, biphobia, racism, and transphobia. It is more complex than the usual forms of discrimination because either can happen within their own community, rather than only being discriminated against by other groups; and

WHEREAS, Youth who are LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) face many additional challenges over youth who are only LGBTQ+ or BIPOC. They are statistically less likely to be out to their families, more likely to have low self-esteem, more likely to be depressed, and have an elevated HIV risk, and the stress of being a multiple minority continues through adulthood, and LGBTQ+ people of color may find less community strength than their White counterparts; and

WHEREAS, The NAACP has applauded Karine Jean-Pierre's recent historic appointment as the White House Press Secretary, recognizing that she has shattered yet another glass ceiling and become the first Black woman and LGBTQ+ person to serve in that role; and

WHEREAS, The NAACP has an obligation to protect, defend and support the rights of all people of color, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the 2019 resolution is reaffirmed.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP shall openly and forcefully support the LGBTQ+ community, participate in Pride events, fight discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and take affirmative steps to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community as full and active members of its units.