Beyoncé, John Legend and More Sign Open Letter In Fight For Gender Equality

In the wake of Donald Trump’s controversial views and presidency, several celebrities have vocalized their opposition of the Head of State. Most recently, Beyoncé and many big-name celebs have signed an open letter, which has been written and published in conjunction with Global Citizen and Beyoncé’s Chime for Change organization, denouncing recent United State policies under Trump’s reign. The letter states that the recently implemented plans and policies in regards to gender equality and women’s rights have threatened our country’s credibility as a “positive role model on human rights.”

“We have reached a critical moment in history,” the letter reads. “Recent legislation and rhetoric have put decades of progress for girls and women at risk.”

Among the celebrities who have inked their name in support of the fight for gender equality is singer John Legend, who has been very vocal in his fight to resist the controversial views of Trump. Others include Jada Pinkett-Smith, Julia Roberts, Coldplay, Madonna and more.

“All over the world, women are on the frontlines fighting for our future. Yet millions of girls and women are still denied basic equal rights. And recent policies appointments in the United States jeopardize its position as a global leader and positive role model on human rights,” the letter continued. “We stand together to say, in a voice louder than ever, that fighting for gender equality is the emergency and the opportunity of our time.”

“We believe that connection empowers us. That every voice matters. That each one of us is needed to achieve change. We believe we can do extraordinary things when we come together.”

“We fight for education. For health. For justice. For every girl. Every woman. Everywhere. We fight for our future. Because none of us can move forward if half of us are held back,” the letter said.

Read the full open letter below:

 

We have reached a critical moment in history. Recent legislation and rhetoric have put decades of progress for girls and women at risk.
In 2013, we joined with CHIME FOR CHANGE to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world. Today, we find ourselves under threat of seeing a generation’s worth of hard-won gains reversed.
All over the world, women are on the frontlines fighting for our future. Yet millions of girls and women are still denied basic equal rights. And recent policies and appointments in the United States jeopardize its position as a global leader and positive role model on human rights.
We stand together to say, in a voice louder than ever, that fighting for gender equality is the emergency and the opportunity of our time.
With every generation, our story has spread wider, become more familiar. The voices telling it braver, more powerful. But our story is far from over.
This is about hearing a call – to join us wherever you are. About raising an alarm – drawing attention where there is work to be done. And about celebrating – those who are already showing us, against impossible odds, what is possible.
We believe that connection empowers us. That every voice matters. That each one of us is needed to achieve change. We believe we can do extraordinary things when we come together.
We fight for education. For health. For justice. For every girl. Every woman. Everywhere. We fight for our future. Because none of us can move forward if half of us are held back.
Join us, and take action for gender equality at globalcitizen.org/IWD2017