Our Work Continues … the Political Terrain is Steeper

Our Work Continues … the Political Terrain is Steeper

In light of Tuesday’s election results, and as an organization that works at the federal, regional, and state levels, we must consider how to move our important legal and policy work forward in an increasingly hostile political climate.

As a Black queer Southerner whose family has lived here for centuries – making a home and a legacy in a system that never meant for us to survive – I carry the memories and the strategies of the many freedom fighters before me and it guides how I lead CHLP. While so much is uncertain, one thing is not: our commitment to showing up to do what we came here to do.

Let me be extremely clear: We will not be deterred or derailed. Our work continues and we will continue to do it well and offer a sound assessment of the political conditions we are in as a part of the legal and policy analysis so many have come to rely on and expect from us.

As a Black feminist-led, abolitionist organization, we recognize that now is the moment for exactitude – for even greater precision and clarity. Our work must boldly meet this political moment while clearly pronouncing the conditions we demand for our communities, which will always center people living with HIV.

We will not shy away from calling things exactly what they are. Our goal is justice, not assimilation or to become more palatable to those who threaten our very existence. This is one of the ways we resist. This is one of the ways we continue to find our people. And more importantly, this is how we enact our vision.

Let us continue on this journey.

Much love to each of you. Let's continue to take care of ourselves and each other.

S. Mandisa Moore-O'Neal
Executive Director