As 2018 comes to a close, we look back on the journey this year has been and the word resilience rings through our ears over and over again.

The plain fact is, 2018 was a difficult year for the LGBT community on a national level.

From attempts to ban transgender service members from the U.S. armed forces, to the federal government's efforts to weaken federal protections against LGBT individuals in employment, to the New York Times memo stating the Trump administration’s plan to roll back protections for our transgender community members, our community has been facing what seems like non-stop, outright discrimination and erasure. As a result of this charged national landscape, The LOFT has seen a dramatic increase in our referral and support services, an increase in turnout for our monthly support programming, and most importantly, the ever-present need to keep our positive momentum going.

Each member of our community, from our youth to our seniors, are experiencing the impact of this threatening national landscape first hand. Our youth are feeling doubt, instability and fear on a scale they have never experienced before, and our seniors are reliving intolerance they thought they had left behind.

Through The LOFT’s 35 years of service to the LGBT community of the lower Hudson Valley, the center continues to be a vital resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Truth be told, we wouldn’t be where we are without your financial support.

You have the power to make a big difference in the lives of Westchester's LGBT community members.

We have big plans for 2019 that we want you to be a part of!
With your support, The LOFT plans to increase our outreach and services for the LGBT community of Westchester, especially those of us who are often the most vulnerable. Your contribution will help the center continue to grow and expand our network of partner organizations and visibility in Westchester community events; engage even more community members through groups like our trans support group, LGBT family group, and latinx support group; increase our ability to access and support those in need through our Helpline; and make sure our special events (including 2019 Westchester Pride!) are bigger and better than ever.

Please show your generous support to The LOFT by making a donation to help us continue the fight for LGBT rights and inclusion right here in Westchester County. Your generosity makes a difference in our community!

Yours in Strength and Pride,

John Baker, Interim Executive Director, The LOFT