Inside Philanthropy’s Post

Thanks so much to Ms. Magazine for cross-posting my The Hill op-ed on the anti-gender movement targeting our #democracy. As crackdowns on #abortion rights, #lgbtq rights, and communities of color keep rising, let’s keep connecting the dots: This is a coordinated and well-funded campaign against all of our freedoms and a just, multiracial #democracy that works for everyone. We will win if we work together. I outline three ways we can take action. What would you add? ✅ More of us need to name these attacks for what they are: the tip of the spear in a campaign against our democracy itself. And work together to push back. ✅ As The Bridgespan Group and Shake the Table have outlined, that begins with marshaling a wave of resources to counter funding for anti-gender and white supremacist movements, so that more resources flow to women—especially Black women and other women of color—and LGBTQ activists. ✅ For our political leaders: It’s time to move from defense to offense. Connecting the dots between attacks on abortion rights, #trans communities and communities of color—and tying them to the democratic freedoms of everyone—is not just good policy, it’s a path to victory. https://lnkd.in/ewEVPJwq

A few quick thoughts on last night: 👉 Last night’s election results showed what can happen when communities come together to stand up for fundamental human rights. They also showed what’s possible when organizers and social justice advocates have the long-term support they need to encourage civic participation in the communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to doing so. Resourcing community organizations year round drives crucial victories like last night’s win for reproductive justice in Ohio and ensures that these organizations will have teams and systems ready to make sure their communities have a voice during next year’s pivotal elections. 👉 Reproductive justice is essential. It’s what Americans want. In states around the country, voters chose to protect and expand access to abortion again and again. Now we need to invest in nonpartisan voter organizing and education to make sure those voices are heard. 👉 There were important wins for LGBTQ+ rights last night: the rejection of anti-trans rhetoric in campaign ads in Kentucky, the defeat of school board book bans, and advances in trans representation in government. Attempts to divide social justice advocates with anti-trans rhetoric don’t work. We are fighting for equality. #democracy #voting #reproductivejustice

As National Delegate representing Maine at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and Asian American, I look forward to joining fellow Democrats to kickstart the momentum to re-elect President Biden and flip the U.S. House in November! But I need your help to get to the convention. You can chip in here: https://gofund.me/c8a3a5d6 What's at stake in this election cannot be more stark: Will we vote to safeguard our democracy, or will we let it slip once again toward demagoguery and despotism? Will we elect a President and Democratic majority that checks and balances a conservative Supreme Court, or will we let Trump appointees further erode hard-won progress on reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights? The choice is crystal clear: We need to keep Democrats in control of the White House and Senate and flip the U.S. House. That is why I threw my hat into the ring to run for a National Delegate seat. I strongly believe that Millennials and young people, especially LGBTQ+ voters and voters of color, cannot and must not sit out of this election. Hopelessness is NOT an option. The estimated cost, including hotel, transportation, and airfare, is upwards of $5,000. Any help with the cost is greatly appreciated. As the leader of a small community-based nonprofit and local author, it means a lot! This is an exciting opportunity and a crucial time for our democracy and I ask for your support so I can represent Maine at the National Convention. If you can chip in $25, $50, $100 or more, it will go a long ways! Thank you! Marpheen #Democrats #DNC https://lnkd.in/euVS5VNT

"If your institution’s grantmaking practices are dedicated to promoting democracy, reproductive justice, racial equity, climate change, and/or health, know that the ultimate success of your work demands a trans praxis." M. Saida Agostini Bostic, thank you and Funders for LGBTQ Issues for your call to move with precision, strategy and rigor in this terrifying time for humanity, and especially for trans and gender non-conforming folx. https://lnkd.in/grv6rnmQ

🌈 Under Threat: LGBTQ+ Rights Right Now Over 500 bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights were proposed in 2023, leading to devastating consequences for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) communities. It's time for the philanthropic sector to act with precision and strategy to support intersectional movement building and protect democracy, equity, and health. As we approach the 2024 presidential elections, there is a growing fear that these attacks will only intensify. This is a critical moment for the philanthropic sector to act with precision and strategy. We must invest in intersectional movement building and support initiatives that promote democracy, reproductive justice, racial equity, climate change, and health. Our movements have the knowledge and experience to win and build a world where everyone is safe, well, and free. Funders for LGBTQ+ Issues and our member network offer resources for foundations to focus on TGNC communities in their grantmaking. 📖 Read the full article by Saida Agostini-Bostic from the Center for Effective Philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/eDh3g9zT #LGBTQRights #Philanthropy #GivingCompass #TGNC #IntersectionalMovements #SocialChange #TheCenterForEffectivePhilanthropy

Beyond Allies: Seeking Accomplices in a World Quick to Abandon In a revealing moment for LGBTQ+ advocacy, Senators Ben Casey and John Fetterman withdrew their support for the William Way LGBT Community Center's federal grant, succumbing to the pressures of an online campaign led by conservative influencer, Libs of TikTok. This incident is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of political allyship within our current landscape, highlighting a critical distinction between allies and accomplices in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. True allyship should not waver in the face of controversy or political convenience. However, the swift retraction by these senators, driven by fear of backlash, underscores a deeper issue: the readiness of some political figures to abandon LGBTQ+ initiatives when faced with opposition. This not only undermines the progress towards equity and inclusion but also sends a troubling message to the LGBTQ+ community—that their rights are negotiable, and their well-being is secondary to political survival. We must demand more than fair-weather friends. Our fight for equality needs accomplices committed to justice, unswayed by the ebb and flow of public opinion or online vitriol. The journey towards a more inclusive society needs steadfast support, not just in moments of convenience but especially in the face of adversity. Let this serve as a call to action: to elevate our standards for allyship, to seek out true accomplices, and to continue our advocacy with resilience and determination. The path to equality is fraught with challenges, but with unwavering support and collective effort, we can forge a future where LGBTQ+ rights are unequivocally upheld. https://lnkd.in/eaaFV9vS

The Alliance has called on all Realtor® Political Action Committees (RPACs) to utilize our proposed “Article 10 Rule” and refrain from endorsing and funding elected officials and candidates who openly engage in discriminatory behavior against the LGBTQ+ community even if they are deemed “pro-housing.” The Alliance has unveiled a new tool that tracks RPACs and their support of those who are openly discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community. Over the last six years, which covers all the most recent elections, RPACs around the nation have combined to award approximately $3.3 million to those who have taken the lead in anti-LGBTQ+ political activity. RPACs have also funded 322 politicians who have sponsored anti-LGBTQ+ bills already in 2024 led by Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Missouri RPACs funded legislators in these states have, respectively, introduced 46, 29, and 25, anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year alone. https://lnkd.in/e5BsgBpc

Celebrating the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders with the launch of our report “Hope and Resistance Go Together - The State of Women Human Rights Defenders”. Proud to have been part of the team producing this report that sheds light on the growing anti-gender movement globally and shows a concerning increase in harassments and threats against women’s and queer rights activists, affecting 75% of respondents and their organisations. The activists tell us how family members are increasingly affected, with one in three respondents reporting incidents against their families. Threats and harassments against activists are primarily driven by government and authorities, reflecting the global shift towards authoritarianism. Anti-gender movements, traditional and religious actors, and far-right groups also play a significant role in instigating this wave of harassment. The report is based on survey responses from 458 activists from 67 countries globally, and 25 in-depth interviews. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dmP8SMaq