08/22/2026
Friends, family, spectators:
There's nothing I love more than learning and sharing history. With as much discourse presently surrounding who gets to be included in the community, I'd like to impart some knowledge to you all and make it very clear where State Queens, as well as myself, stand in this.
Firstly, Why the "L" Comes First:
During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, gay men were turned away by hospitals and abandoned by society within Reagan's presidency. The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS alone was a death sentence. Le****ns stepped up and organized blood drives and fought for care when few others would. They became our nurses, caretakers, and advocates. To remember the selfless care and advocacy, in the late 90s, "L" was permanently moved to the front of 'LGBT'.
A Community Built by Trans Women of Color:
Black and Brown trans women, including courageous pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. From the Stonewall Riots to founding shelters for homeless youth, they fought on the front lines when it was most dangerous. The same pioneers of this movement are now the most targeted and vulnerable, yet still fight for your continued safety and visibility. We cannot and will not forget sacrifices that were made for each and every member of OUR community to be where we are today.
The door was opened by the minority few. Don't forget our history.
With all my love,
Alonya H. Chest