“The LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont is comprised of representatives from a range of LGBTQIA organizations and individuals from the broader Vermont community. Our mission is to anticipate and collaboratively respond to proposed & enacted laws, policies, actions, and community-level crises that impact LGBTQIA Vermonters. The Alliance provides expert advice to elected officials, political activists, state agencies, community based & professional organizations, and other interested parties on representing and protecting the interests and rights of LGBTQIA Vermonters. The group seeks to fairly represent the collective voice of LGBTQIA Vermonters through advocacy, community building, education, and representation.” In January of 2017 representatives of VT’s LGBTQIA communities and organizations met to discuss the potential ramifications of the 2016 Federal election and the creation of the most virulent anti-LGBTQ Presidential administration in recent US history. Representatives were present from the following organizations: Rainbow Umbrella Political Action Group, Momentum Project of the Pride Center, The Pride Center of Vermont, Vermont CARES, Green Mountain Crossroads, Outright Vermont, Faerie Camp Destiny, PFLAG, Gay and Lesbian Fund of Vermont, and campus based student organizations. Vermont has been identified by national organizations as being one of the five top states for protections extended to, and the inclusion of, members of the LGBTQIA communities. Those participating in the January discussion acknowledged this status was due to the ongoing grassroots organizing within VT’s LGBTQIA communities that supported the formal efforts begun in 1986 to work in collaboration with elected officials and within the mainstream political process to create social and political change. It was also acknowledged that the protections that had been achieved could be threatened by actions taken by the current Federal administration. The LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont was officially formed and adopted the above stated mission statements. To advance the interest of the newly formed Alliance, and to reestablish a more formal relationship with both VT’s Executive and Legislative administrations, the position of Liaison was established. The Alliance has recognized Brenda Churchill of Enosburg Falls and Keith E Goslant of Montpelier to serve in this capacity. The Alliance has identified its immediate priorities as: identifying the needs and challenges currently being confronted by VT’s LGBTQIA communities; reaching out to existing ally community based organizations; development of priorities for legislative action; strengthening of relationships with members of the Executive and Legislative administrations; and creating a statewide organization with the ability to respond to both internal and external events impacting VT’s LGBTQIA communities.