Today, on what should be a celebration of Lunar New Year for Asian American communities around the country and people around the world, we mourn with the people of California after the devastating shooting in Monterey Park.

We are mourning the recent murders of two members of the LGBTQI+ community at the LGBT+ bar, Tepláreň, in Slovakia’s capital of Bratislava. Advocates for Youth stands in solidarity with the brave young people fighting for LGBTQI+ rights and acceptance while protesting against these violent hate crimes.

We send strength to Puerto Ricans and Dominicans who are coping with the losses and facing the prospect of rebuilding. We urge the federal government to provide urgently needed aid and resources as quickly as possible.  

The busing of migrants,including children and young people, across the country by Govs. Greg Abott (Texas), Doug Doucy (Arizona), and Ron DeSantis (Florida), as a political stunt, must stop. Using human beings as political props, belittling and ignoring the experiences and needs of these migrants, and treating migrants as something to be disposed of: these are reprehensible acts.

“A nationwide abortion ban, and ultimately the end of legal abortion in this country, was always the endgame for the anti-abortion movement. It’s horrifying but it is no surprise to young people, who have been preparing for this for years. Long before the Court overturned Roe, youth leaders were working to ensure everyone who needs an abortion can get an abortion - and that’s not going to stop now, or ever."

“Young people should have control over their own bodies, even and especially when they’re pregnant,” said Diana Thu-Thao Rhodes, Advocates for Youth’s Vice President of Policy, Partnerships, and Organizing. “Florida’s Jane Doe, and too many others like her, have had to stand before  judges in courtrooms defending their personal lives instead of being able to just get the abortion care they need. These laws are part of efforts to end all access to abortion."