To all of our NCLR friends and family,
It goes without saying that our entire globe is fighting a shared battle against COVID‑19 today. Countries all over the world and most immediately our own communities are closing down, staying inside and reducing or eliminating school, work and events.
Today, in particular, we are seeing cities from our home base of San Francisco to New York and many in between pausing activity of all kinds. This news – and what we all need to do in response – seems to change every hour.
What we do know is that our extended community of LGBTQ folks and our allies is a strong one. We have met challenges, injustices, and setbacks. This pandemic is no different. We take care of each other – today and always.
NCLR is following the guidelines set forth by our local and state governments and the CDC. All of our employees are working from home and we have taken measures to ensure none of our work stops during this time. Our dedicated attorneys and staff remain fully engaged (in fact, we are filing a major new case today), and we are prepared to continue our efforts to protect and defend our rights and the lives and well‑being of all of you going forward for as long as it takes.
NCLR’s helpline (1.800.528.6257) is always open and we are here for you. For individuals who already feel isolated and alone, social distancing can feel devastating; we know that for the 20% of LGBTQ people living in poverty and the many more near poverty, the loss of wages and access to work can mean no money for rent, utilities and gas. We know that LGBTQ people are more likely to be food insecure and this will be exacerbated during this time. Transgender folks and LGBTQ people of color are more frequently impacted by sharp dips and turns in our economy and heightened anxiety and fears in more hostile communities. NCLR is right here and we are not going anywhere. We feel honored and humbled to be part of a nationwide fabric of incredible support systems for us all. Thank you to the other LGBTQ organizations showing up right now. And thank you to each and every one of you for always standing with us, supporting our work, and showing the world what it means to come together in hard times.
Now it is our turn to lead by example. We know how to join forces and hold each other up. We know how to stand tall in the face of incredible adversity. Together, we will use our power, our experience and most importantly, our kindness and love to do this again. Under a bigger tent with room enough for all.
With all of our love and gratitude,
The NCLR Team
