Oakland’s LGBT community gathers to support each other after Trump election: ‘We’re not going anywhere.’

Over 70 people gathered outside the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center near Lake Merritt Wednesday to celebrate the first anniversary of the creation of the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District — bringing a moment of joy to many who felt discouraged by last week’s election of Donald Trump as president. 

Last November, the city declared an official LGBTQ+ Cultural District in the heart of Oakland, between Grand Avenue and El Embarcadero to the south, Lakeshore Avenue to the east, and Boulevard Way to the north. It was established to recognize the power and resilience of Oakland’s LGBTQ+ community, and cement itself as a safe space. 

The crowd watched as community members ran up the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag in front of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, ending in cheers and applause.

“This brings me hope,” said Jeff Myers, president and founding member of the LGBTQ Cultural Center and a committee chair for the Lakeshore Cultural District. 

“It really brings me joy to see a community come together,” Myers told the crowd. 

Local officials, including City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and Brandon Harami, director of community resistance from Mayor Sheng Thao’s office, praised the hard work and resilience of the community center and the community as a whole. Thao, who lost a recall vote last week, was not in attendance.

“Mayor Thao sends her love and gratitude for everything you’ve done and everything you’ll continue to do to protect Oaklands diversity,” Harami said. 

In his address, Myers applauded the LGBTQ+ community’s unity and strength, and acknowledged the challenges the community faces in the wake of Trump’s victory. On the campaign trail, Trump has called for ending gender-affirming care, and used the term “gender insanity” to go after transgender individuals participating in school sports.

“This flag flying high in the district will be the beacon of resilience,” Myers said. “A reminder that no matter the political landscape, our community will continue to push forward and protect one another, and fight for a world where every identity is celebrated.”

For many in attendance, the event happened at just the right time.

Brooklyn Kelly, a trans woman who moved to Oakland six months ago, said she’s scared about the future of the country.

“To literally rally around the flag is important for us,” Kelly said, “It’s a symbol of peace and inclusion and right now there doesn’t seem to be a lot of that.” 

Kelly felt that during the election, the vilification of LGBTQ+ people was relentless, particularly towards the transgender community. She is resolved to keep fighting for their rights.

“You don’t get in shape doing one perfect push up,” Kelly said. “You have to keep doing it everyday.”

Audrey Atkinson, of San Francisco, said the event helped her quell the post-election tension she has felt. After the long week, the ceremony was the perfect balm

“I feel at home here,” Atkinson said, “This is the only place in the states that I want to be.”

Myers said, “We have to do more outreach, to make sure the world understands that we’re existing, and that we’re not going anywhere.

(Top photo of Jeff Myers, by Xavey Bzdek)

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