THE Q4K NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the Queers for Kamala official newsletter! Each week, we’ll share the latest and greatest on what’s happening in our grassroots, queer-powered movement and how YOU can get involved. From the latest from the campaign to top insights around the issues that matter to our community, we bring you the tea on how to engage our community and get out the vote where it counts. Stay tuned!

Q4K Community Launch Call Recap: All Aboard the Brat Bus!

Our Queers for Kamala Community Launch Call was a major success! The energy was high, the conversation was impactful, and somehow, we managed to stay perfectly on time (thanks to our stellar call producers, Josh and Nick). Big props to our emcees, Q4K Community Co-Chairs Dimitri and Marti Cummings, who brought warmth and excitement throughout the evening.

We were joined by an incredible lineup of guest speakers who inspired us with their passion and action. RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants and activists Brita Filter (@brita_filter) and Jackie Cox (@jackiecoxnyc) called on us to use our political power to bring our full queer selves into this fight. First gay state rep in PA history Brian Sims (@briansimspa) emphasized the power of going door to door and making real connections within neighborhoods. NY State Senator Jabari Brisport (@jabaribrisport) fired us up with his message of grassroots organizing and community empowerment.

Co-founders Danny, Kathleen and Jeffrey explained why they founded this org around building queer community where we're at and why our Brat Buses from NYC to PA to GOTV November 2-6 could be the key to victory. Comms Co-Chair Lukus explained how we’re using our social media, newsletter and merch to spread the Q4K gospel across America and get butts in seats on the Brat Bus. Q4K Events Co-Chairs Ellyn and Blaise and Community Co-Chair Josh shared how you can build community and organize right where you are, in your own queer spaces, with local events and online on Slack.

Debate Watch Party in Queens

Queens, the country’s most diverse county, is home to its iconic LGBTQIA+ bar, aptly named ICON. Located in Astoria, Icon hosted over 200 Harris supporters attended the Q4K debate watch party. The watch party was organized and co-hosted by members Nick Haby, John Scott, and Skylar Moore, alongside Q4K’s leadership team member, Dimitri Moïse. 

Guests indulged in specialty cocktails like the “Blue Tsunami,” “Coconut Trees,” and “MAGA Tears” and wrote messages of support on the “Motivation Walz.” The pre-show’s grand finale featured Drag Performer, Harriet Tugsmen, who wowed the crowd with R&B hits and Beyoncé’s country smash “Ya Ya.” During the debate, guests watched and listened closely as they played debate night bingo for a chance to win some Harris Walz merch. The room erupted in cheers, applause, and laughs throughout.

The verdict was clear: Harris and everyone who watched had a fantastic night!

Hosting a pro-Kamala event you’d like us to feature? Tag us on Insta or connect on Slack!

Unite for America Livestream Event feat. Kamala Harris

Queers for Kamala is proud that 20 of our members will be featured on a live Zoom, with one attending in person in Detroit, for the Unite for America Livestream Event featuring Madam Vice President Kamala Harris and the legendary Oprah Winfrey on Thursday, September 19 at 8 PM ET.

This event is a conversation and a call to action for voters to come together, support Vice President Kamala Harris, and work toward a future rooted in equality and progress. They will discuss the critical stakes of the election and why our collective vote matters now more than ever. Don't miss it!

Sign up for a Queers for Kamala Brat Bus

The polls are in: turning out voters in PA may be the most critical thing you can do to elect Kamala.

That's why we're captaining a full 4-night Get Out the Vote (GOTV) extravaganza November 2-6!

We will take you, your friends, and other queer folks and allies from NYC to Philly for canvassing, fun, and saving democracy. Never canvassed before? We’ve got you! For GOTV, we'll train you, you're always partnered up, and we only knock on supporters' doors to ensure they vote.

This is going to be the event of the season, so sign up today!

We're hoping to organize weekend day trips in October as well, so indicate your interest in the form.

 Phone Bank to Protect Critical Votes with the VoPro Pros

In 2020, Queers for Kamala Co-Founder Kathleen Borschow helped lead the largest voter protection voter contact operation in history for the Biden-Harris campaign in North Carolina and then Georgia for the Senate runoffs. In 2024, the stakes are even higher. This time, the volunteers she helped organize in 2020 are at the helm: the VoPro Pros. They're leading daily phone banks through the election to contact likely Democratic voters who may face issues voting or getting their ballots counted.

As the New York Times just reported: "More than 40 states now allow for some type of voter challenges, and Donald Trump’s campaign has encouraged activists to focus on the voter rolls in a relatively small number of liberal counties that could swing the election." These could be the margins of victory. Starting with Georgia, one of the most critical battleground states, we need to call voters who might face such challenges. No experience is necessary, just a computer and phone. Sign up today! 

Phone Bank in Person with Q4K + Out for Harris New York

Join Out For Harris New York and Queers for Kamala for an in-person phone bank every Thursday in Manhattan! The LGBTQ+ community is passionate, engaged, and ready to get to work to elect Kamala Harris as our next President. Come call voters to tell them why YOU support the Harris-Walz ticket and remind them to get out and vote this November. And make friends while doing it!

All Roads Lead to Pennsylvania

As the 2024 election looms, all eyes are on Pennsylvania. Historically a critical swing state, PA could decide the fate of the Harris-Walz ticket. The national race is tight, with polling showing only a slim margin separating Harris and Trump. Trump’s decision to pull resources from New Hampshire and shift them to PA underscores its importance. Harris needs a +2% to +5% national lead to secure the electoral college, but PA may hold the final say.

Despite the tight race, there are reasons to stay optimistic. Harris' favorability ratings in key demographics and voter groups, particularly among younger and minority voters, suggest she can tip the scales in PA. However, Trump’s stronghold among rural voters and his strategic focus on PA presents a challenge. The battle for votes will be intense with the state’s diverse urban centers and conservative rural areas.

A few counties could decide this election, meaning every vote will count. Mobilizing voters in key districts will be essential for either candidate to secure a win. As the race heats up, it’s clear that both campaigns will pour significant resources into this battleground state. Now is the time to step up.