The National LGBTQ Anti-Poverty Action Network (the Network) launched a new campaign that urges presidential candidates to address issues of LGBTQ+ poverty in the United States. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and Justice Work at The Vaid Group co-coordinate the Network with over 100 member organizations and advocates.

As part of the bold new initiative, the Network released a two page “LGBTQ+ Priorities for the Next Presidential Term” memo highlighting concrete steps the White House can take to dismantle barriers to social and economic justice for LGBTQ+ people. The recommendations include investing in LGBTQ+ communities, strengthening anti-poverty programs, and fighting discrimination.

Tyrone Hanley, NCLR Senior Policy Counsel and Network Co-Coordinator said, “It’s time for politicians to understand that being an LGBTQ+ ally means fighting for the poor,” Hanley continues, “Far too often, politicians ignore the challenges faced by LGBTQ people and families struggling to make ends meet. Today’s campaign launch emphasizes the need for elected officials – including the president – to understand and prioritize the needs of low-income LGBTQ+ folks. As proven to us by Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Barbara Smith, and Queers for Economic Justice, fighting for LGBTQ+ liberation means fighting for economic justice.”

The National LGBTQ Anti-Poverty Action Network (the Network) is a member-based coalition of over 100 national, state, and local organizations working in the LGBTQ+, anti-poverty, and anti-hunger movements to increase awareness about and action on LGBTQ+ poverty. As we approach the next presidential term, the Network is championing priorities across federal departments and agencies.

LGBTQ+ people and families are more likely to be living in poverty and participate in federal anti-poverty programs than the general population. Additionally, LGBTQ+ people also face compounded discrimination based on intersecting identities due to systemic racism, xenophobia, sexism, and ableism. The Network encourages the White House to prioritize addressing LGBTQ+ poverty during the next presidential term.