Brave Trails’ Post

Some thoughts I have about #PrideMonth this year and how organizations can support the LGBTQ+ members of key audiences.

The LGBTQ Commission has opened up applications for this year's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Grants through the Denver Arts & Culture Fund! The goal of these grants is to support non-profit organizations that, through arts and culture, elevate the communities represented by each of the Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) Commissions, and that exemplify the tenets of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice. Each Commission, including the LGBTQ Commission, can award 1-2 grants of $5,000 or $10,000, using the following requirements: ✅ Projects must take place within the City and County of Denver ✅ Projects must have an arts, culture or creative component ✅ Projects with a focus on social justice efforts will receive high consideration ✅Organization must be a nonprofit (501c3 or has a fiscal sponsor) ✅Funds must be spent within a year of receipt Apply here by June 23rd: https://lnkd.in/eC8Ut5Ak Know an org who would be a good fit? Nominate them here: https://lnkd.in/eeR6MPwZ

It's essential to address the issue of gatekeeping in funding allocation within organizations claiming to serve marginalized communities. The practice of using the "T" in LGBTQ to secure maximum funding for trans individuals, while not effectively supporting or serving them, is DIABOLICAL WORK. Many cisgender-led organizations prioritize funding over genuine service delivery to the trans community, even though local Trans-led organizations are actively engaged in providing essential support and services. This disparity highlights the need for transparency and accountability in resource allocation. As a Black Trans ED navigating funding opportunities, being aware of these challenges is crucial. Upholding integrity and ensuring that resources reach those who need them the most is key to fostering inclusivity and equity within the nonprofit sector. #FundingEquity #TransRights #NonprofitLeadership

On World Social Justice Day, Our Spot KC reaffirms our dedication to advancing equity within our communities. Our ongoing initiatives are little pieces of the bigger picture: Swope Cottages: With recent approval for construction, this project aims to provide secure and affordable housing solutions for marginalized communities, directly addressing the challenge of housing insecurity. ROAR Magazine: Advocating for change, we've introduced ROAR, a dynamic publication that redefines outreach, art, and resources. It serves as a platform to amplify diverse voices and shed light on critical social justice issues. LionHouse Program: Supporting LGBTQ+ youth in accessing housing is a critical priority. Through our LionHouse program, we offer vital assistance and resources to empower and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering an environment where everyone can flourish. Your support is indispensable. By backing Our Spot KC, you actively contribute to the pursuit of social equity. Check out the link in our bio to join us today as we work towards a brighter, more inclusive future. #SocialJusticeDay #OurSpotKC #EquityForAll"

📢 Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices Against Hate 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Did you know that only 1 in 8 hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK are reported? It's time to change that, and the Zoteria app is here to help. I'm proud (yup, that is me and my dear friend Ajay Pabial 🏳️🌈 on set back in March) to support Stonewall UK's latest initiative, Zoteria. This discreet and powerful app is making a real difference in combating hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ Why Zoteria matters: • 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Zoteria prioritizes user privacy, making it a safe space to report incidents without fear of being outed. • 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: Each report contributes to valuable data that helps advocate for policy changes and better support services. • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Zoteria empowers individuals to take action and be part of the solution in combating hate crimes. In a world where hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals are still far too common, Zoteria is a crucial step towards a safer and more inclusive society. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗭𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 and let your voice be heard. App links 📲 in the comments. #Zoteria #Stonewall #LGBTQIA

The humble journey of the Smiling Rainbow platform begins on February 19, 2019, with only one mission: SHARING PAIN MUST NOT BE EXPENSIVE. Over this period we have provided free counseling to thousands of individuals nationwide. Initially, our platform catered exclusively to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Over time, however, we began to receive inquiries and calls from individuals of various backgrounds. Based on our experience we have observed many trends in society, whereas few trends are ironic and on the other hand few are disturbing. In an attempt to spread awareness, we are going to share many such information in our #NoMotivationOnlyInformation campaign. The purpose of that series is simply to spread information in society instead of motivation.   No one desires to succumb to depression. When individuals find themselves immersed in the depths of despair, all they seek is steadfast support to prevent them from sinking. We aspire to be that unwavering support, by offering a new, comprehensive platform that provides free or affordable counseling for all without discrimination. We did our best for years to ensure  #FreeCounselingServiceForAll. Finally, we had to stop our free counseling service from August 2023 onwards due to a funding constraint. To resume our #FreeCounselingServiceForAll we need your support. Your generous contribution could bring much-needed relief to many lives. IF YOU FEEL OUR INITIATIVE IS WORTH YOUR PRECIOUS SUPPORT PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING US BY CLICKING ON OUR DONATION FORM: https://lnkd.in/gK4UhjRK #FreeOnlineCounseling #NoMotivationOnlyInformation #MentalHealthMatters #SpreadHope #SupportEachOther

The essence of the Christmas season lies not just in the twinkling lights and festive decorations, but in the warmth we share with one another and the acts of kindness that define the true meaning of Christmas. This season, we invite each of you to embrace 'The Gift of Giving.' In a world that is constantly evolving, it is crucial that we ask ourselves what we can do to contribute positively to the lives of those around us, especially our LGBTQ+ siblings who may face unique challenges. Our proposal is simple yet profound: let us make a difference by directing our Christmas spirit towards the support of local grassroots LGBTQ+ organisations. These grassroots entities operate tirelessly, addressing critical issues such as homelessness, providing a listening ear and emotional support, uplifting the Black Trans Community, guiding our young people, and offering solace to asylum seekers. By supporting them, we are not only contributing to the betterment of individual lives but also fostering a sense of community and acceptance that resonates far beyond the holiday season. This year, we encourage you to consider a gift that goes beyond the tangible – a donation to these organisations that form the backbone of support for London's LGBTQ+ community. Your contribution sends a powerful and meaningful message of care, compassion, and inclusion during a time when togetherness matters the most. It is a way of saying, "You are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone." Donation Pots: Switchboard - National LGBTQ+ Helpline - https://lnkd.in/gSAUWu6a African Rainbow Family - https://lnkd.in/eZ8Q-ND3 Mosaic - https://lnkd.in/exDJ3TnS Black Trans Alliance - https://lnkd.in/eTbtMgN @The Outside Project - https://lnkd.in/dXxv4Gi #donations #LGBTQ #Christmas #givingback

🌈 Celebrating Pride: More Than Identity, It's About Humanity 🌈 . Pride is about more than just identity; it's about humanity. . Nonprofits work every day to uplift and protect this truth. . During Pride Month, we honor the progress made and acknowledge the work still to be done. . Nonprofits are at the forefront of this journey, tirelessly advocating for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. . They provide vital services, support, and education, ensuring that everyone can live authentically and safely. . These organizations are the backbone of the Pride movement, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and acceptance. . They remind us that equality is a collective effort, and through their dedication, they inspire us all to be allies in the fight for justice. . As we celebrate this month, let's recognize and support the nonprofits making a tangible difference in the lives of so many. . Together, we can create a future where love and acceptance are not just ideals but realities for everyone. 🌟💪 #PrideMonth #EqualityForAll #SupportNonprofits #HumanityFirst

As we honor Pride Month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made, recognize the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and pledge to continue our efforts in creating a more just and inclusive society for all. Together, we can build a future where everyone can be their authentic selves, and equity in all aspects of life, including healthcare, is a reality. https://lnkd.in/eRwGpsxg https://lnkd.in/ejZsPCJ8