By: Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ
Photo by: Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
These are tough times for our community. Under the Trump administration, many of us are feeling the impact of dangerous policies attacking public health, immigration, and civil rights. The government is cutting funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and medical research, putting our health at risk. For LGBTQ+ people of color—especially Latin@s and Black folks—these changes are even more dangerous. Our healthcare, our safety, and our future in this country are under attack.
In Los Angeles, we’re still recovering from devastating wildfires, and now we’re facing even more destruction—this time from Washington, D.C. The government is making deep cuts to medical research and programs like Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Social Security. These programs help millions of people, including immigrants and migrant workers who have been recently insured. But now, they’re on the chopping block, threatening the lives of our seniors, low-income families, migrants, and those who need healthcare the most.
At the same time, our financial security is at risk. The government is attacking Social Security, leaving many wondering if they will have anything left when they retire. Public education is also under threat, limiting opportunities for our children. And as if that wasn’t enough, the administration is weakening our Justice Department, making it harder to fight for fairness and equality. All of this is happening while dangerous world leaders are watching, making the future feel more uncertain than ever.
One of the biggest attacks has been on LGBTQ+ rights. The government has tried to ban transgender people from serving in the military and has removed healthcare protections for gender-nonconformingpeople. Anti-immigration policies are tearing Latino families apart, leading to more deportations and family separations. For those of us who are both LGBTQ+ and Latinx, these attacks cut even deeper. We are fighting on multiple fronts—against racism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia—all at the same time.
So, what do we do? How do we survive these dark times? We look to our past. Our ancestors, our elders, and our communities have faced oppression before and still found ways to resist, survive, and thrive. Even in times of fear and suffering, people have found ways to sing, dance, and hold onto joy. That is part of our power. No matter what, we must keep fighting, keep loving, and keep supporting one another.
This year’s Super Bowl halftime show by Kendrick Lamar was a powerful reminder of that fight. His performance spoke to everything we are experiencing—how America continues to take advantage of Black and Brown people, how the wealthy and powerful are hoarding resources while the rest of us struggle. Yet, his music reminded us that we belong here, that we are strong, and that we will not be erased. Those in power may not listen, but the rest of the world is watching, and we must make sure our voices are heard.
In these moments of uncertainty, take a deep breath. Ask yourself: What can I do to protect my community? How can I bring joy and hope to those around me? How can I stand up for my people? Even the smallest actions—supporting local organizations, helping a friend in need, or simply showing up for one another—make a difference. We are here. We see you. We stand together. If you ever need help, reach out. There are people ready to support you.
No matter what happens in Washington, we must remember our strength. Our communities have fought through worse, and we will fight through this too. Stay strong. Stay connected. And never stop pushing for the justice and dignity we all deserve.
And remember, you can visit Dr. Jerry P. Abraham and the JWCH-Wesley HIV Street Medicine Team at Tempo Nightclub every Sunday night. Come get HIV-tested, PrEP’d, and all your LGBTQ+ health questions answered. We are here for you.