BBy: Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ
Photo by: Building Future © BiancoBlue | Dreamstime.com
As we look to the future, it’s vital to reflect on the journey the LGBTQ+ Latin@ folx have taken over the past few years. The road hasn’t been easy, especially in light of political turbulence, environmental disasters, and global health crises. Yet, the resilience of this community stands as a testament to the power of unity and resistance. In 2025, we are not only survivors of these challenges but are also the change makers shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
The years during Trump’s first term were tumultuous for many, it felt like an era that tested both our endurance and our ability to organize. Under the administration’s regressive policies, we witnessed the rollback of transgender rights, attacks on healthcare access, and increasing rhetoric of hate and division. For many of us, it was a time to dig deep, to build solidarity, and to fight back. Now that we have found ourselves back in the same situation, it is time to remember that we have a voice that will not and cannot be repressed.
One of the most critical aspects of surviving this period was our resilience in defending all intersectionality of our identities. As Latinx people, we were not only fighting for our right to love but the rights of ourselves and our loved ones to be seen as living, breathing people whose roots in this country run proud and deep. The urgency of defending our rights as immigrants, children of immigrants, as queer individuals, and as people of color became a common thread in community organizing. Together, we mobilized, supported each other through advocacy, and found strength in protest. This is a power we have not lost and can continue to utilize for as long as we need to.
If the Trump presidency was a test of our political resilience, climate change has been a test of our environmental survival. The devastating impact of climate disasters, including the recent wildfires in LA including the Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires, has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including LGBTQ Latinx populations living in areas most vulnerable to natural disasters. Hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have ravaged neighborhoods, forcing us to confront not just the physical destruction, but the economic, emotional, and psychological toll it takes on our neighborhoods.
Looking forward, we find hope and power in events like NLGBTQTF CC25—an extraordinary gathering that brings together the global community of LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals for solidarity, education, and celebration. This year’s event is a milestone, marking over 50 years of advocating for the rights of LGBTQ Latinx people worldwide. The celebration includes panels, performances, and workshops that focus on topics like mental health, climate justice, political advocacy, and intersectional queer identities.
One of the event’s key sessions this year will focus on the theme of “Building the Future: LGBTQ Latinx Leadership in 2025.” With speakers from across the Latin@ diaspora, it will explore how Latinx queer individuals are stepping into leadership roles in local governments, social justice organizations, and businesses to drive policy change, uplift our voices, and make sure we have a seat at the table. The session aims to highlight the importance of mentorship and the ways we can support the next generation of LGBTQ Latinx leaders.
What sets NLGBTQTF CC25 apart from other LGBTQ conferences is its emphasis on cultural pride and intersectionality. Attendees can participate in art exhibits, film screenings, and performances by LGBTQ Latinx artists who represent the vibrant creativity within the community. For many of us, these experiences are a powerful reminder that our identities as queer, Latinx, we are not separate from our cultural heritage—they are deeply intertwined, creating a dynamic force for social change.
As we near the end of the first month of this new year, our strength lies in our unity. LGBTQ Latinx are increasingly visible and empowered, not just as survivors, but as leaders and activists, advocating for change in our communities and beyond. Whether it’s fighting for LGBTQ rights in the face of political opposition, addressing the urgent threats of climate change, or attending transformative events like NLGBTQTF CC25, we are carving out spaces for ourselves, demanding respect, and showing the world that we are here to stay.
The journey of survival is not over, but it is a journey that has shaped us into a powerful force for progress. As we continue to face challenges, let us remember that the strength of our community lies not just in the ability to survive but in the determination to create lasting change. Together, we are building the world we want to see—a world that honors our identities, our cultures, and our shared humanity.
And Remember, you can visit Dr. Jerry P. Abraham and the JWCH-Wesley HIV Street Medicine Team at the Tempo Nightclub every Sunday night! Come get STI-tested, PrEP’d, and all your LGBTQ+ sexual health questions answered!