Nicole Bolden
Co-Chair
Shay Franco-Clausen
Co-Chair
We are coming up on the 3rd anniversary of the Good Trouble Network. Since the start of the network in 2021, we have expanded the network, connecting more Black LGBTQ+/SGL officials from across the country to one another and resources to support them in their personal and professional growth, amplified victories, and provided support when they have been unjustly attacked.
We are proud of the work each and every one of you has done and are excited to continue to build with you. To ensure we are properly connected going forward, please update your GTN Member Information Update Form HERE.
If you encounter a GTN member who is not currently receiving our communications, please share the link with them so we can address the issue.
Since 2003, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) has been America’s leading national civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS through coalition building, federal policy change, research, and education. Our mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+/SGL bias and stigma. NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.
With more than 220 LGBTQ+ candidates elected during the November 2020 election cycle, a record number of Black LGBTQ+/SGL leaders prevailed. Among the winners were Congresspersons Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17), who both became the first Black, openly LGBTQ+ Members of Congress. Torres is also the first Afro-Latinx, openly LGBTQ+ Member of Congress.
The National Black Justice Coalition views this as a unique opportunity to expand our network and to build a robust political action agenda to advance our federal and state public policy influence. NBJC has enlisted the leadership and partnership of Andrew Gillum to help build the strategy and blueprint for this network, at every level, to:
- Celebrate this historic moment in our movement where there have been so many elected leaders who identify as both Black and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in ways that will enable us to provide a safe and supportive space to build; and
- Survey and synthesize the political priorities that Black LGBTQ+/SGL elected officials are championing in ways that advance policies and practices benefitting Black LGBTQ+/SGL people, families, and communities.
- Celebrate this historic moment in our movement where there have been so many elected leaders who identify as both Black and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in ways that will enable us to provide a safe and supportive space to build; and
The Good Trouble Network virtual convening is a place for the network to gather and strengthen community; for NBJC to talk about the importance of this work/the network/investments in Black LGBTQ+/SGL leadership/communities; and to ensure that federal elected officials are aware of, connected to, and bought into advancing the priorities of and otherwise responding to the needs of the network.