Fafali D. Akortsu’s Post

Looking forward to speaking at tonight's Chat 4 Change with The Women's Foundation of Colorado and Caring for Denver Foundation. I will speak on the vital right of all people to be able to choose their own healthcare without government bans or political overreach. Some key points: - Pride is born out of a long fight for justice, liberty, and equality. - Gender-affirming care is simply good healthcare. - It's now more important than ever to get out and vote. - We have the power to pass positive legislation and should look to model legislation in other states. - We all have the power to advocate and make long-term change. If you’d like to learn more, you can read my op-ed published last year for Fourth of July, “Trans Rights Are as American as Apple Pie.” The July 4th call for American independence should be a rallying cry to stand up for all people’s freedom and liberty, especially LGBTQ+ people who find their rights under escalating siege. https://lnkd.in/edhsrhw9

Today is Zero Discrimination Day, and for all of us, today feels different. As a community, we are still raw and grieving the immense loss of life in our Oklahoma family. Nex Benedict (he/him/they/them) deserved to live to see Zero Discrimination Day. Instead, we are left with the legacy of a beautiful, transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit young person who was stolen from the world. Nex made a profound impact on all of us, and ignited a nationwide conversation about safer schools for transgender and nonbinary students, and creating a safer country for trans people. This Zero Discrimination Day, we honor Nex Benedict, a student at Owasso High School, who deserved better. This Zero Discrimination Day, we honor every trans, nonbinary, and queer young person who has had to fight to be seen, accepted, and loved. To every LGBTQ+ young person who is reading this, we know that you may feel afraid, and we hear your calls for justice, representation, and humanization. You should not have to fight for this, but we know that so much work remains until the promise of equality is fulfilled. So let us recommit ourselves to creating a world free from discrimination and violence of any kind. We will honor Nex's memory by fighting for a future where every LGBTQ+ individual can live safely, authentically, proudly, and without fear, where unconditional love and acceptance are not a privilege, but a guarantee. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 The Trevor Project is here to support you in this moment, and always. You can reach a crisis counselor by calling us 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386, texting ‘START’ to 678-678, or chatting online at trvr.org/get-help 🧡

Every year, March 31st is International Trans Day of Visibility, and not only is it a day to recognize and spread love to all the trans folks living life as their authentic selves, it's also a day to address the fight for equality.🏳️⚧️❤️ Only under a decade removed from marriage equality becoming a full-fledged right, more than half of states in the U.S. still lack basic protections for LGBTQ+ people, allowing discrimination in things like housing, service, medical care, employment, and education. In America today, people can still be denied rights because of who they are or who they love. The Equality Act, if passed in legislature, would establish widespread protections for LGBTQ+ people against discrimination when going to work, looking for a home, going to school, going to the hospital, and simply existing. Read more about the Equality Act from the Human Rights Campaign here: https://lnkd.in/e9KeNMey

As professionals, we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against injustices that continue to harm marginalized communities, particularly Black women. From toxic racist workplaces to discriminatory policies and behaviors, it is crucial that we address and dismantle these harmful systems. Each one of us has the power to make a difference by advocating for equality and actively working towards eliminating all forms of discrimination. By using platforms like LinkedIn to raise awareness and spark important conversations, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. There is a target on the backs of Black and brown bodies, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, refugees, and other historically marginalized groups. It is up to us to stand up, speak out, and take action to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. We will not be silenced. Let's use our voices and our platforms to drive change and create a more just and equitable world for everyone. #BlackLivesMatter #Equality #Inclusion #Diversity #EndDiscrimination

We need equality candidates across the State of Missouri, not just within our state legislature. Today is the General Municipal Election and multiple school boards and municipal races across our state are fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ candidates. We need you to empower your vote by going to the polls to protect LGBTQ+ Missourians and cast your vote for candidates and policies that will protect the rights of queer students, adults, and all of our collective liberation. Resources: ✅ Find your polling place here: https://lnkd.in/gcs83E-Z ✅ Polls are open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. ✅ Experiencing voter issues? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-866-687-8683. Even if you don't have a school board or municipal race, there are city propositions and ordinances you should know and vote on.

🏳️🌈 Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, let's celebrate the progress made in safeguarding the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. 🌍 Despite strides towards equality, there's still much work ahead. This year's theme, "No one left behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all," underscores the importance of inclusivity. 💬 From legal victories to policy changes, we're moving towards a more accepting world. Yet, discrimination persists, leading to health disparities and marginalization. 🛑 It's time for action! Let's advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights in all spheres, including humanitarian and climate-resilience policies. 🌈 Together, we can ensure that no one is overlooked and that everyone enjoys their equal rights and dignity. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/grxsVjJK

#JusticeForNex Nex Benedict deserved better, we must not let the next individual(s) down when so much light has been shed on these issues. Dangerous rhetoric and anti-LGBTQIA laws give permission to bully, beat, and kill anyone who has been othered. Nex was a 16yo human being. The people in power are responsible for the death of this young person and all the potential they held. Legislators and Superintendents in Oklahoma, and other states, need to do better for every human being no matter how they identify. Ways you can help, VOTE! For individuals who embrace inclusivity and equality. Petition against those who misuse their power to discriminate. Support your local queer communities. Do what you can to fight injustice. Pictured is my Non-Binary painting from my Pride Plains series. I make a gift from each Pride Plain sale to The Trevor Project to help the young LGBTQ+ community. Stories like Nex’s are why the community needs extra support. #RestInPowerNex

We’re sure you’ve heard about the Government's guidance on how schools and colleges should treat trans or gender questioning pupils. And, like us, we’re sure you’re worried about how this guidance will affect their safety, happiness, and health. That’s why we’ve got our experts to host public consultation response sessions to help LGBTQ+ people and allies work through the consultation attached to this guidance. In these sessions, the guidance will be explained, our main concerns will be covered, and we’ll collectively work through the consultation questions. We believe that this guidance will have devastating impacts on young people, and we need you to make sure that all pupils can attend schools and colleges free of discrimination. To find out more and to sign up, click here: https://lnkd.in/dyR-Js_n

As we celebrate the vibrant history and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, we also reflect on the long and ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Pride is not just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of those who have fought—and continue to fight—against discrimination and prejudice. Allies, our support is more important than ever. We must raise our voices, advocate for change, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. It matters. True allyship means actively participating in the fight for equality and using your privilege to support those who are marginalized. Remember the power of your vote. Voting for leaders and policies that protect and promote LGBTQIA+ rights is a fundamental way to contribute to lasting change. Each vote is a step toward a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and authentically. Let's make this Pride Month not just a celebration, but a call to action. #Pride #VoteForEquality #CelebrateDiversity

The outcome of the primary election in South Carolina is a key reminder of the significance of the Black and LGBTQ vote and the broader impact of reaching constituents who represent marginalized and diverse communities that are often shut out of election discourse. Candidates must be clear at the start of their campaigns about their stances on freedom, fairness, equal opportunity, and equal access — values that most strongly affect people who are Black, brown, LGBTQ, poor, or live in rural areas; and who are often disenfranchised. It was historic because South Carolina’s critical voting base — which includes high populations of Black and LGBTQ people — was the first to be able to make their voices heard at the polls. Members of vulnerable communities always deserve to be a critical priority in our candidates’ campaign plan considerations. No one should underestimate voter turnout among those who have felt the burning sting of discrimination; and there’s no doubt we’ll see the same passion and turnout again in November.