For many in the LGBT community, according to Howard Brown Health CEO and President David Munar, the Nov. 8 elections amounted to nothing less than "a traumatic event."
Speaking at a Nov. 28 forum on LGBT protections that are at risk, and community action that is needed, in the wake of Donald Trump's election, Munar said that Howard Brown Health was "flooded with calls" the morning of Nov. 9, with individuals concerned about what the election would ultimately mean for them in the years ahead.
The forum, which was at Lake View Presbyterian Church, was co-sponsored by Equality Illinois and a host of agencies. Munar spoke along with Affinity Community Services Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon; immigration attorney Michael Jarecki; and Chicago House TransLife Center Care Coordinator Channyn Lynne Parker. Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson moderated and about 200 persons attended.
The panelists outlined numerous realms wherein community organizations, activists, service providers and other stakeholders will need to focus during a Trump administration, among them preserving the Affordable Care Act (ACA), shoring up the legal rights of immigrants and monitoring and protecting against hate-based violence, which has seen an increase.
Munar said it was imperative that the Affordable Care Act, which Trump has pledged to "repeal and replace," be preserved.
"What does that mean for the safety net we fought so hard for?" Munar asked, adding that about 7,000 of Howard Brown Health's patients would be affected by a potential dismantling of the Medicaid expansion. All of the options put on the table so far, such as block-grants to states, would be short-sighted.
Parker spoke about Trump's "disturbing dichotomy" on LGBT rights, saying in some instances that he supported same-sex marriage, but then subsequently saying he would appoint a U.S. Supreme Court justice who would support its repeal. She further spoke of Vice President Elect Mike Pence's ominous comments about an "audit" of the Ryan White CARE Act, which he said should not enable "behaviors" contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
"You're talking about an administration invested in behavior modification," Parker said.
Jarecki said numerous clients had voiced concern about Trump's victory, given the fiery anti-immigration rhetoric that was perpetuated so frequently during his campaign. Among the callers were some who had legally obtained Green Cards by way of a same-sex marriage, and were afraid that it could be rescinded.
"All of these people are scared," he added. "They don't know what the path forward is and they're scared."
Further noting that the executive branch has almost unlimited power over immigration matters, Jarecki said, "What I'm telling my clients is that they have to get educated about what their rights are."
Rupert-Gordon expressed concern about an increase in the number of hate-based attacks in recent weeks and urged that community members be wary of efforts to pit one marginalized population against another.
"It's a very scary time," she said.
Pride Action Tank Executive Director Kim Hunt delivered a call for action to begin the steps ahead. Among her suggestions were engagement with and contributing to community organizations and beginning work on the 2018 midterm elections.
Munar also emphasized the importance of engagement with elected officials, especially emphasizing that individuals depending on ACA coverage send the message to politicians that they use it. Jarecki further suggested conveying to city officials any gratitude for Chicago remaining a "sanctuary city," since that status can ultimately impact federal funds.
Opening remarks came from Equality Illinois Director of Education and Outreach Anthony Galloway and Rev. Joy Douglas Strome of Lake View Presbyterian Church.
Additional forum sponsors included Lake View Presbyterian Church, Howard Brown Health, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Test Positive Aware Network, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, Chicago House, Black Treatment Advocates Network, Association of Latinos/as Motivating Action, Center on Halsted, Pride Action Tank, Affinity, Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Vida/SIDA), Planned Parenthood of Illinois and Brothers Health Collective.
