Advocacy Information & Priorities

Our Approach to Advocacy

The Harriet Hancock Center strives to be an inclusive community hub for the LGBTQ+ community here in Columbia, the midlands and beyond. Our existence is deeply political; however, that does not mean that we are equitably represented or welcomed in governmental spaces. In fact, it is quite the opposite with our activism, lives, and history which continues to be censored and stigmatized.  

Though LGBTQ+ people experience systemic and institutional barriers in engaging in advocacy spaces, we hope through community collaborations, educational workshops and events, advocacy doesn’t just feel accessible, but it is.

Our goals are to empower community members with useful resources and knowledge while emphasizing community care and cultivating an environment that fosters queer joy. Below are a few of our priorities as we recognize the impact of political determinants of health on legislation and policy.

• We support anti-discrimination policy that includes sexuality and gender identity, broad protections against hate crimes, bullying and harassment of all marginalized communities.

• We support the protection of voter rights. 

• We support protections of evidence-based medically necessary care.

• We reject attacks on bodily autonomy.

• We reject attacks on First Amendment rights including censorship of themes related to marginalized groups.

If you need support or further information feel free to reach out to our Advocacy Coordinator, Julia Smith (she/they).