Angelica Ross, the “Pose” and “American Horror Story” star, delivered the 2022 LGBTQ+ State of the Union address on March 1, 2022.
Ross delivered an amazing speech that addressed the progress made towards full equality for, and acceptance of, the queer community, and the work that remains to be done to ensure a safe future for everyone, especially trans youth.
“Those that know me know that I keep it all the way 100, so here’s a reality check: we the people are in control,” Ross said in a video shared to MTV’s Facebook page. “Our elected officials work for us, not the other way around… I’m calling on each and every one of you to join me in holding our communities, our local representatives, and our nation’s leaders accountable during this very critical inflection point in American history.”
The actress and activist brought attention to the fact that 2021 was the worst year on record when it came to anti-LGBTQ legislation. “President Biden, many of our Black trans sisters and siblings gave you our vote because you told us that you could reach across the aisle,” she said in her address. “You say trans youth are brave, and claim to have their backs, yet your administration has not done enough to protect them. Talk is cheap; we need you to act.”
Ross went on to provide statistic examples of the hate-motivated violence against trans Americans in 2021, especially women of color, and encouraged viewers to keep the pressure on the Biden Administration to implement measures that will alleviate these disparities. Ross pushed for the passage of the Equality Act, federal legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The Equality Act passed the House last year but has stalled in the Senate.
“We are all living through a moment of unprecedented loss, financial hardship, and sociopolitical discord,” she said. “We know these issues disproportionately impact the most marginalized among us, so we need our leaders to be doing more to protect our LGBTQ+ community, but most particularly our Black, trans sisters and siblings. It’s time we have an honest and intersectional conversation centering the most vulnerable among us… If you’re not tired, you’re not paying attention.”
“At least 51 trans people were reported murdered in 2021… The vast majority of these victims were Black trans women… When I say Black lives matter, I’m talking about all Black lives: Black trans women, Black disabled folks, Black queer and trans sex workers matter. This ever-mounting tally of trans lives cut too short is devastating, but we cannot let our grief numb us.”
Ross added, “Each of us must lift up the banner of liberation together so that the generations that come after us will be even freer. We have always existed and we will always persevere.”
In reviewing the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community over the last year, Ross pointed out that the vast majority of queer folks in the US had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, setting an example for the rest of the country. “As of late August, an estimated 92 percent of LGBTQ Americans had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to 71.3 percent of the general US population,” she said. “As queer and trans people, we don’t just understand the importance of compassion, responsibility, and community care. We embody these values.”
Near the end of the address, Ross spoke directly to transgender and nonbinary youths. “I see you,” she said. “I understand the very unique pain of watching your basic freedoms become pawns in our nation’s fractured political system. If it all feels overwhelming at times, you’re right; it is. But listen up, my dears, because this is important. You are remarkable. You are powerful. You are unstoppable. No amount of hateful rhetoric will ever change that.”
