During Summer 2025, the National LGBTQ Task Force welcomed this year’s edition of a lone intern Tiera Williams for the Communications, Marketing and Branding department and the 2025 Holley Law Fellows Shay Walker, Seamus Smiley, Asa Zaretsky, and Isabella Mianzo.
They were fully immersed in the fight for queer liberation – attending events on The Hill on behalf of the Task Force, participating in joint events with fellow queer-based organizations such as the National Black Justice Coalition’s Equity Week during Pride month, and serving as a photographer during WorldPride in DC June 6-9.
Celebrating National Intern Day on July 31, and their time concluding with the Task Force on August 8, the group reflected on their summertime with the organization and how its shaped their understanding of today’s current climate in the fight for queer rights.
1. What first interested you about the Task Force? How did you explore those interests throughout your time with us?
Seamus Smiley: For my first law internship, I wanted to find a way to help my community and combat the discriminatory laws coming out of federal and state governments. The Task Force was looking to address those same problems and had the experience and know-how to make an impact. By working with Task Force lawyers (Meera and Kenya!) and the other fellows, I was able to help advance the cause of queer rights by doing research, drafting talking points, and responding to legal developments in real time.
Shay Walker: My interest in the Task Force was deeply personal. It stemmed from my own lived experience and the heightened oppression I’ve faced simply for committing to being myself. Throughout my time with the Task Force, I explored these interests by leaning into work that allowed me to show up as my full self while contributing to broader advocacy for people like me. A University of DC Law School alumna and now friend, Kenya Whitaker, encouraged me to apply, and I’m so glad I did. I couldn’t be happier with that decision.
2. How has your time with the Task Force created a better understanding of what queer advocacy is in today’s movement work?
Tierra Williams: One word: WORK. Serving during this administration, seeing how fast they are working against us with queer issues, we have to work twice as hard. I see queer advocacy differently because of how deeply involved I am in these conversations I have with folks, especially knowing how to use my voice as a tool to bring everyone together to fight for “X” cause. You don’t realize how powerful your voice can be.
SW: Being part of the Task Force helped me realize just how many people, across different disciplines and spaces, are actively doing the work to advocate for queer communities. It was inspiring to see folks who not only care, but who are fiercely committed to demanding rights for people with identities like mine. I also came to understand how powerful I can be when I use my skills and platform to speak up for myself and for the community I love.
3. What are some of the highlights of your work time with the Task Force? What have you learned?
Asa Zaretsky: Visiting Congress with other organizations to advocate against changes in legislation which would harm queer lives, conducting research on the access to gender affirming care in state jails and prisons, and writing policy briefs analyzing legislation and executive orders were huge highlights. All of these have helped me further my legal writing and advocacy skills and given me valuable experience in the world of nonprofit policy work.
TW: My highlight would be the Capital Pride Honors event and seeing everyone come together celebrating honorees that deserve to be spotlighted for the beautiful work they have done in the LGBTQ+ community. It was thought-provoking to see our community be rewarded. Seeing Raven Symone with my actual eyes– the 10 year old inside of me was screaming! Being able to have that opportunity to photograph for the Task Force was a blessing within itself. I would have never imagined myself doing that.
4. What kind of work ethic and skills have you’ve developed working with the Task Force that will be useful for your future?
Isabella Mainzo: Public speaking – I tend to be a very quiet person and it’s very rare that I will choose to speak out in group settings. However, during my time at the Task Force, I was given the opportunity to work on this skill while receiving encouragement and support from my wonderful team. Special shout out to Kenya and Meera for providing a safe space for me to foster my public speaking skills and giving me endless support as I prepared to present my research to the Task Force!
SS: My fellowship with the Task Force is the first professional legal job. Research has been one of the focal points of my experience, and my skills have increased as a result. I have also learned the importance of time management and selfcare in professional life.
5. Is there any advice you’d give to the future Holley Law fellows and interns? What should they expect?
IM: Take advantage of the fact that you are working with so many bright and talented people at the Task Force! One of my favorite aspects of this experience was learning from and bouncing ideas off my fellow interns. There are so many extremely wonderful people at the Task Force with such diverse experiences and points of view, and it is so important to treat your time with the team as an opportunity to learn and collaborate.
AZ: The most important piece of advice I would give is to not be afraid of leaving your comfort zone. Whether it’s reaching out to supervisors and coworkers to make connections, or delving into new areas of writing and research that you haven’t encountered in law school, the Task Force has been an excellent place for me to expand my horizons for my future in the legal profession.
