THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The Center's newly appointed COO Kim Fountain told the approximately 100 people in attendance that after the election results were called in favor of Donald Trump, the phone lines at the Center lit up with people calling in a panic about what might happen next regarding LGBTQ equality. Fountain said the same situation happened with other LGBTQ organizations and organizations focused on other minority groups in the city.

"People were reaching out across identities to make connections because what we understand now more than ever is we need each other," said Sheridan.

Sheridan asked that everyone think about their individual talents and what gets them fired up so they can fight back.

Following Fountain's remarks, Vanessa Sheridan—musician and the Center's director of transgender programs and community engagement—quoted the late journalist Gwen Ifill and performed an original song, "Keep on Rising Up".

Fountain called on attendees to suggest ideas for small groups focused on specific issues/actions to continue the conversation during the second half of the event. Some of the suggested groups were direct-action organizing, action through the arts, teach ins, intersectional work across minority groups, the role of white allies in helping minority groups, social media campaigns, activism through writing, designing multimedia websites, how to be effective as a public speaker, micro-financing social justice work, assisting transgender people in getting their documents updated, how to navigate hostile co-workers or the workplace in general and protecting oneself electronically from government surveillance. One woman also offered 'mom hugs' for anyone who needed it.

The Center had behavioral health counselors on hand for those who needed someone to talk to and a white cloth where people could express themselves in written word and/or drawings that will be on display within the building.

A number of individuals announced future events including a post-election action forum Monday, Nov. 28 at Lakeview Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. The Center said they will create a Facebook page for people to post more upcoming actions and events.