Everything feels scary right now. And I need to tell you the truth... it’s scary for me, too.
I wear many hats—as a leader, an advocate, a Husband, and a friend. But at this moment, I want to speak to you simply as someone in our community who is hurting, too. The weight of the world feels unbearable some days. The headlines. The bills being passed. The hate being legitimized. It all chips away at the little peace so many of us fight for every single day.
The new bill in DC...
It doesn’t just affect people “over there.” It impacts all of us. It echoes in every queer heart, in every trans body, in every home where someone is just trying to exist freely. It sends a chilling message that our lives, our identities, and our truths are up for debate. And that is terrifying.
Honestly... I want to be the person who can solve it all. Who can make it go away. Who can promise you that we are safe.
But I can’t. Not all at once. Not on my own.
What I can tell you, what I do believe with every fiber of my being, is this: We will persevere. We always have.
Our community is a community of resilience. We were born into it. We’ve had to fight for our breath, our space, our joy—again and again. That kind of resilience doesn’t go away. It only grows stronger when we face these moments together.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, if your chest feels tight, if your eyes feel heavy, if your heart feels broken, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel all of that. You are not alone in your fear. You are not alone in your exhaustion. And most importantly, you don’t have to carry this alone.
Control What You Can... You still have power. You can choose what you take in—if the news becomes too much, turn it off. Focus your energy on what grounds you: a creative outlet, a moment of joy, a simple act of care. And remember, setting boundaries—at work, at home, in your relationships—is not selfish. It’s survival.
Step Away When You Need To... You’re allowed to rest. In a world that demands so much, choosing stillness is an act of resistance. Unplug. Breathe. Let yourself pause. You are not required to be “on” all the time to be valuable. Rest keeps you going. Rest keeps you whole.
Lean Into Love, Chosen and Blood... You don’t have to go through this alone. Let the people who love you hold you—whoever they are. And if you’re searching for connection, come to us. The LOFT offers support and social groups for every part of our community. There’s a space here where you will be seen, heard, and embraced. Take that step. Reach out. We’re waiting for you with open arms and open hearts.
Know this... every single time, we’ve made it through. Together. We cried together. Fought together. Celebrated together. We have carved out joy in the most impossible places. And we’ll keep doing that because we are still here. And we are still worthy. Not despite who we are but because of who we are.
I believe in you. I’m proud to be one of you.
Danté R.H. Reda | he/him | Chief Executive Officer
