What does LGBTQ+ history tell us about the moment we’re facing with a Trump administration and Republican party that use queer and trans people as political fodder? How will we respond to their threats to end marriage equality, defund schools that support queer and trans kids, and put an end to federal protections for our communities?

Audre Lorde said, “We are powerful because we have survived.” If there’s one overarching feeling I’ve had since the election, it is this.

One Institute exists to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ communities throughout history while celebrating how we live today. Adversity and heartbreak are a part of our stories, but so is resilience and triumph.

Today we are organized, visible and, yes, powerful. We will survive this too.

Marsha P. Johnson said, “No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” Johnson’s words are central to One Institute’s mission. Through our K-12 programs such as Youth Ambassadors for Queer History and Youspeak Radio, we mentor queer and trans young people of different races, genders, and ethnicities to be active participants in teaching history and in seeing themselves as history makers.

The return of our annual Teachers Symposium convenes public school teachers to create much-needed LGBTQ+ history lesson plans aligned with California standards to assist educators with the implementation of the FAIR Education Act.

One Institute’s public initiatives such as Circa: Queer Histories Festival bring together hundreds of artists, activists, and educators during LGBTQ+ History Month to uplift our diverse stories through exhibitions, performances, readings, lectures, screenings, workshops, and more, that spotlight queer and trans individuals and events that have deeply influenced our political and social progress.

Bayard Rustin said, “We are all one, and if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way.” As we face the next four years of threats to our communities, One Institute will endeavor, as it has for over 70 years, to bring our communities together as One and play a role in the furtherance of our humanity.

Ultimately, One Institute’s LGBTQ+ history-focused educational programs serve to humanize the queer and trans experience and empower our communities toward progress. We will continue this work. We may not win every battle, every election, or every Supreme Court decision, but our history tells us that when people see our humanity, we win.

Take a stand with us today by supporting One Institute’s year-end campaign. Help us to raise $90,000 by December 31 to continue this vital work. We need you to dig deep into your pockets to help us keep LGBTQ+ history alive.

We can’t do this without you. We can’t do this without each other.

As One,

Tony Valenzuela
Executive Director

We Stand as One: Donate to One Institute!

Help us raise $90,000 before December 31. For our history and for our future.

Team Members