“It is vital that LGBTQIA voices are still heard today as there is still legislation and ideologies that still attempt to silence us. It is essential that we continue to vocalize our fundamental right to be treated as human beings, so that future generations won’t have to bear this burden. As a queer black woman, I would not be able to have pride in my identity without the people before me fighting for the right to be heard, understood, and accepted. I am forever grateful for them for paving the way and forever inspired by their courage, bravery, resilience, and strength.”

— Gabrielle Hilton ’24