This is not a defeat of our movement: A post-election call to action
Many of us are waking up feeling a mix of complex emotions this morning. For some, today’s news has stirred frustration, concern, and deep worry for the future of our country. SFAF and each of us that lift up its mission have worked tirelessly over these past years to champion inclusivity, justice, and compassion in our communities and our country. Today’s result may feel like a setback for those ideals. And I want to assure each of you that our work to protect the health, safety, and dignity of everyone we serve is more crucial than ever.
As CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, I want to remind all of you that we are no strangers to difficult political climates. We were founded at a time when our government turned its back on us—on people living with HIV and those most vulnerable to this epidemic. Yet, despite that abandonment, we rose up. We organized. We built systems of care and community, even when it felt like we were fighting an uphill battle.
This morning, I am here to tell you that we are prepared to rise again. This election result may be a blow, but it is not a defeat of our movement. Now is not the time to run. Now is the time to stand up, to fight back, and to protect everything we’ve built and everyone we serve. Our mission doesn’t change based on who’s in office; in fact, it becomes all the more urgent. We will continue to advocate for People Living with and Affected by HIV, for People Who Use Substances, for housing, for health equity, and for the lives of Black, Brown, queer, and trans communities who are often most impacted by the decisions made at the highest levels.
Make no mistake: we are in for a long, hard fight. The path forward will demand resilience and courage from all of us, but we are prepared to defend our communities and our democracy with everything we’ve got. We will not stand by as anyone tries to dismantle our rights or roll back progress. And if any policy seeks to silence, marginalize, or strip away the humanity of those we serve, we will confront it head-on—with every tool we have.
To those around the country who supported this outcome and to those who did not vote, let me be direct: your choices have a real and painful impact on the lives of people we serve, the people who work and volunteer at SFAF, and on me personally. This election result is not an abstraction; it means greater barriers for people living with HIV, higher risks for LGBTQ+ individuals, and more challenges for people who rely on harm reduction services. It means that vulnerable communities—especially Black, Brown, and queer communities—must once again fight for their right to exist, to be treated with dignity, and to receive care without judgment. We must also confront the anti-Blackness embedded in this political shift, which threatens to unravel hard-won progress in racial justice, criminal justice reform, and health equity. This is a reminder that voting is never just an individual choice—it impacts people’s lives, families, and futures.
This election result also sets our nation back on a global scale. Around the world, people are watching, taking note of how America treats its own people, especially those most in need. This outcome sends a message that the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and people living with HIV are once again up for debate and devaluation. It signals that anti-Blackness and systemic inequities are not only tolerated but are being emboldened. And it suggests that our nation is willing to turn its back on compassion, on basic human rights, and on the very ideals we claim to represent. But I assure you: we, at San Francisco AIDS Foundation, will continue to be a beacon of support and advocacy, even when our government may not be.
The implications of this decision will ripple across generations. This is not just a setback for today—it threatens to undo decades of progress and to leave the next generation with a country more divided, more inequitable, and more hostile to those it should be lifting up. We risk creating a legacy in which racism, anti-Blackness, and discrimination are reinforced rather than dismantled. And we must ask ourselves, is this truly the world we want to leave for those who come after us?
But as we face what may feel like an uphill journey, let’s remember to have grace for ourselves and one another. The history of LGBTQ rights and the HIV movement teaches us that real change requires endurance. And that means taking care of ourselves and looking out for each other in the days ahead. It’s okay to feel drained or discouraged; those feelings are valid and real. Take time to rest, recharge, and connect with the people who uplift you. Together, we can build strength to face the challenges ahead.
While this political outcome brings renewed challenges, let it also be a call to reaffirm our commitment to one another. We are united, unbreakable, and we are ready to stand firm. We stand together, unwavering in our vision of a world without stigma and without barriers to health care. We stand firm in our commitment to racial and social justice, to advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with HIV, and to ensuring our services remain available and accessible to those who need us most.
Let’s remember what our movement has taught us: that courage, resilience, and community are the backbone of progress. When the LGBTQ+ community and people with HIV were abandoned, we created new ways to care for one another, demand change, and ensure our voices were heard. This movement is built on the power of people who refuse to give up—and we will continue to honor that legacy.
So let’s channel our feelings into action. Let’s continue our advocacy, our education, our outreach. Let’s defend the values that we know are worth fighting for. And let’s remind ourselves that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to pause, breathe, and recharge when you need it, knowing that our work will continue, stronger than ever.
Thank you, and remember: we are stronger together, and we will always fight for what’s right.
In Solidarity,
Dr. T
