Minus18 Foundation’s Post

Additionally, we will add the following innovative app features tailored to serve the Rainbow community, and we're open to community suggestions to further enhance the app's functionality: 9. Safe Space Locator: Utilize GPS technology to pinpoint safe spaces for the Rainbow community, including LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, support centers, healthcare providers, and gathering spots. 10. Real-time Community Support: Implement a chat or hotline feature within the app where users can connect with trained volunteers and counselors for real-time support, advice, and resources. 11. Identity Affirmation Toolkit: Offer a variety of tools and resources designed to help users explore, affirm, and celebrate their identities, promoting self-discovery, self-love, and acceptance. 12. Events Calendar: Curate a comprehensive calendar of Rainbow events, including pride parades, festivals, workshops, support groups, and activism opportunities happening locally and globally. 13. Virtual Pride Parade Builder: Allow users to design and customize their own virtual pride parades within the app, empowering individuals and organizations to express their pride creatively. 14. Rainbow Mentorship Program: Establish a mentorship program connecting experienced members of the Rainbow community with newcomers or those in need of guidance and support. 15. Artistic Expression Platform: Provide a dedicated space within the app for users to showcase their creative talents and express themselves through art, music, writing, and other forms of expression. 16. Safety Check-In System: Implement a safety check-in system allowing users to discreetly notify trusted contacts or authorities if they feel unsafe or threatened in any situation. With your support and contributions, we can turn these visions into reality and create a world where love knows no boundaries. Together, let's embrace diversity, celebrate inclusivity, and pave the way for a brighter future! - Donate any amount here https://lnkd.in/dQ_ZdnAB

😍 The last couple of weeks have been filled with volunteer and nonprofit work, and let me tell you...it's heart filling! 😍 📚 From volunteering with WomenTech Network during their annual Global Tech conference to participating in F5's quarterly Volunteer Sprints, where I was able to help Embrace of Celebration to organize and manage documentation. The opportunities and learnings have been abundant. 💥 What I am most excited to share though, is the nonprofit organization that my wife and I made happen after years of talking about wanting to create something that will allow us to give back to the LGBTQ community by providing opportunities for support, service and funding. Our initiatives are about Doing Something Already! ⚡ Do Something Already works towards transformational initiatives to advance equity, opportunity, and justice for LGBTQ+ people in all communities across the Pacific Northwest. Working toward supporting an environment of Joy, Caring, Positivity, Optimism and Understanding. Our Collective uses the tools of Art and Engagement to support and fund our featured initiatives, as well as additional activities throughout the year. Our initiatives include: ➡ MLK Day of Service - providing volunteer opportunities to better community. ➡ DSA Gives Juneteenth - supporting Black owned small businesses. ➡ Julian Wehde Memorial Scholarship - Providing LGBTQ+ youth access to funds to promote art and theater endeavors. ➡ DSA Gives for the Holidays - From feeding families to providing holiday gifts, the DSA Gives is there to help support the community during the holiday season. 🆘 At this time, we are literally just getting started and need your support. While we have great initiatives on our roadmap, none of those can happen without funding. With luck, we were able to quickly get approved to participate in this May's GiveBIG fundraising campaign and are hoping we can ask you to be one of our founding donors! Thank you for checking us out, welcome all questions! 💰 https://lnkd.in/gNJT-j9k #GIVEBIG #thatgivingfeeling #DoSomethingAlready

**EDIT: this deadline is focused on programming support from the Pride Center for PRIDE MONTH. If you are interested in asking the Pride Center for support in Pride month, please submit requests by April 1** Greetings! Can you believe Pride is around the corner? If you, your organization, business, group, school, etc. is interested in having the Pride Center collaborate or participate in your programming DURING PRIDE MONTH in any capacity, we ask that you submit your request via this link (https://lnkd.in/e4XhDfXH) by APRIL 1. Organizations can still submit their requests after April 1st, but they will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Examples of requests that you can submit include, but are not limited to: - Tabling at your resource fair or event - Co-hosting/ partnering an event - Speaking at your event - Requesting a training or consultation - For a list of the trainings that we offer, please see this link: https://lnkd.in/eggENq-C - Examples of consultations include – looking at your organizational policies, how to better support your LGBTQ+ staff members, working with you to make your forms be more inclusive Please note: - Submitting a request is not a guarantee that we can participate - Free services include – collaborating on events, tabling at events, speaking engagements There is no cost to have us table, co-host or speak at your event - Services associated with a cost are trainings, consultations can vary - Sliding scale is available, accommodations can be made by request If you are interested in supporting the Pride Center in June, consider donating or volunteering with us. Your donations can go towards providing gender affirming mental health care, affirming garments, community gatherings and more for LGBTQ+ community members in San Mateo County. For more information, click this link (https://lnkd.in/ehsgq5DM). As a reminder, we are here and Queer all year & are a resource for you outside of Pride Month as well. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 650-591-0133

🏳️🌈 Rainbow washing or protesting? 🏳️🌈   As I’ve been participating in various events during #CopenhagenPrideWeek, I’ve been wondering how my fellow Danes view their participation in Pride. For some, it seems like pride is just another occasion to party and have fun, or for organizations an opportunity to rainbow wash their social image. How many of the pride participants are actually taking small steps to help uplift the LGBTQIA+ community the rest of the year? For example by donating to organizations working on supporting queer rights, educating themselves on the struggles queer individuals still go through today, or helping create safer spaces for queer and other minorities at work or other places in the society? The fact that we are able to celebrate pride so freely, and having thousands of people showing up in support of it is definitely amazing, no matter their motivation behind joining. I think it’s just important that we don’t take this for granted, in a world where these rights are under attack. From our neighbors in Poland and Italy to countries on every other continent across the world, where LGBTQIA+ rights are being forcefully denied. I think it’s important to remember that pride started as a riot, and I hope that this does not disappear in the midst of glitter and glam. Did you join Pride Week? How do you see Pride? And what do you do to support LGBTQIA+ rights?

PRIDE REQUESTS ARE DUE TODAY (4/15)! While that might seem like a lot of time, the Pride Center is already starting to plan for Pride Month. If you, your organization, business, group, school, etc. is interested in having the Pride Center collaborate or participate in your programming in any capacity, we ask that you submit your request by TODAY. Organizations can still submit their requests after today, but they will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Examples of requests that you can submit include, but are not limited to: - Tabling at your resource fair or event - Co-hosting/ partnering an event - Speaking at your event - Requesting a training or consultation - For a list of the trainings that we offer, please see the link in our bio - Examples of consultations include – looking at your organizational policies, how to better support your LGBTQ+ staff members, working with you to make your forms be more inclusive Please note: - Submitting a request is not a guarantee that we can participate - Free services include – collaborating on events, tabling at events, speaking engagements There is no cost to have us table, co-host or speak at your event - Services associated with a cost are trainings, consultations can vary - Sliding scale is available, accommodations can be made Please use this link to submit your request - https://lnkd.in/gvdCH85P If you are interested in supporting the Pride Center in June, consider donating or volunteering with us. Your donations can go towards providing gender affirming mental health care, affirming garments, community gatherings and more for LGBTQ+ community members in San Mateo County. For more information, click the link in our bio. As a reminder, we are here and Queer all year & are a resource for you outside of Pride Month as well. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 650-591-0133

There are many ways to participate in today's Day of NO Silence... Pick the one that feels best for you, and do it! If we all contribute in the way that feels best for us, collectively we'll have the support that's needed across the board! (1) Use Your Platform - share student stories and resources on social media. (2) Use Your Vote - ensure that you're registered to vote (I've been unregistered in years past - double check, even if you're sure!). Encourage your friends to do the same. Also, call for updated policies to protect queer youth! (3) Use Your Time - join or host a local event for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. You can also join your local GLSEN chapter. (4) Use Your Resources - donate to GLSEN or buy merch that supports LGBTQIA2S+ programs. You could also start your own fundraiser to support queer youth! How will you show up today? Video description: Text is summarized in the caption. Background is pink and cute cartoon animations supplement the message. GLSEN's Day of Silence logo and URL is on the video. @GLSEN #DayOfNoSilence #RiseUp4LGBTQ #InclusiveMarketing

PRIDE REQUESTS ARE DUE TODAY (4/15)! While that might seem like a lot of time, the Pride Center is already starting to plan for Pride Month. If you, your organization, business, group, school, etc. is interested in having the Pride Center collaborate or participate in your programming in any capacity, we ask that you submit your request by TODAY. Organizations can still submit their requests after today, but they will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Examples of requests that you can submit include, but are not limited to: - Tabling at your resource fair or event - Co-hosting/ partnering an event - Speaking at your event - Requesting a training or consultation - For a list of the trainings that we offer, please see the link in our bio - Examples of consultations include – looking at your organizational policies, how to better support your LGBTQ+ staff members, working with you to make your forms be more inclusive Please note: - Submitting a request is not a guarantee that we can participate - Free services include – collaborating on events, tabling at events, speaking engagements There is no cost to have us table, co-host or speak at your event - Services associated with a cost are trainings, consultations can vary - Sliding scale is available, accommodations can be made Please use this link to submit your request - https://lnkd.in/e4XhDfXH If you are interested in supporting the Pride Center in June, consider donating or volunteering with us. Your donations can go towards providing gender affirming mental health care, affirming garments, community gatherings and more for LGBTQ+ community members in San Mateo County. For more information, click the link in our bio. As a reminder, we are here and Queer all year & are a resource for you outside of Pride Month as well. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 650-591-0133

Pride Month is fast approaching, here's what I don't want to see in June... 🌈 Rainbow flags going up on June 1st and coming down by July 1st. If you only visibly show support for the LGBTQIA+ community for one month, your support is performative. I want to see flags stay up, I want to see your commitment to inclusion permanently. ❌ Only supporting cis white queer people. LGBTQIA+ inclusion goes beyond just supporting cis white queer people. The most marginalised in the community (trans, disabled, black etc) must be included in your activism. 💭 Only showing your support verbally. If you are a company and your support is simply "we value LGBTQIA+ people" but you have nothing in place to support your queer staff/ you actively support anti-LGBTQIA organisations/ have nothing to protect queer people, you need to do more. 👀 Thinking you don't need to do anything because you don't have queer staff. Firstly, you need to hire queer people, Secondly, you don't know who is, who isn't and where your company/ brand/ organisation will go next and who may seek involvement. If you are not actively creating the structure to support and ensure the safety of the community, you are actively leaving them out.

Dear dancers, Sandy here, with an open heart and a crucial message to share. Our QUEER salsa workshops have always been about more than just dance; they're about building connections and supporting one another on our journey. Recently, we've faced challenges, particularly with our Improvers 1 workshop. The truth is, every ticket sold isn't just about filling seats; it's about sustaining the heartbeat of our community. Let's dive deeper into the numbers. Our workshops are priced at £880 for 8 hours, £110 per hour. This isn't just a fee; it's an investment in the future of Sanura Dance and the vibrant space we're creating together. And here's where you come in. Your support isn't just appreciated; it's essential. If you can't participate for any reason, we urge you to share with your network. Our community thrives when we support each other, and every share brings us one step closer to our shared goals. By spreading the word, you're not just sharing an event; you're potentially changing lives. You never know what beautiful gift you just gave to someone - perhaps it's the chance to discover a new solo hobby or an activity to enjoy with a partner. Maybe it's reaching someone who's been yearning for a community like ours but didn't know where to find it. Spaces like ours have the power to transform lives, and with your help, we can extend that opportunity to even more people. While our focus is on queer dancing, our arms are open to all who share our values of inclusivity and love. So, we extend the invitation to any other projects or businesses you know of that could benefit from our support. Whether it's a queer-owned business in need of a shout-out or a project that aligns with our mission, we're here to uplift and empower each other in any way we can. With this in mind, our recent decision to lower prices and open up drop-ins isn't just about numbers; it's about fostering a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Let's dance, learn, and grow together, spreading love and support every step of the way. #lesbianvisibilityweek #SupportEachOther #SpreadLoveAndSupport #lgbtq #flinta #feminism #queer #salsa #community

🌈 Dear Allies, ✨ Activism is an incredibly emotional and exhausting journey. It's a path filled with both triumphs and challenges, and it's one that many queer individuals walk every day. But here's a truth we need to share: the responsibility of education and advocacy doesn't rest solely on our shoulders. It belongs to you, too. ✨As queer individuals, we often face burnout and exhaustion from fighting for our rights and visibility. We need our allies to step up, to take the time to learn, and to stand alongside us in this journey. ✨ Educating yourself about queer issues is not just an act of kindness—it's a commitment to justice and equality. By doing so, you help lighten the load carried by the queer community. You become a beacon of support, spreading awareness and fostering acceptance in every space you inhabit. So, where can you start? 🟧 Listen and Learn: Seek out stories and experiences from queer voices. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow queer creators on social media. 🟨Speak Up: Use your voice to challenge homophobia, transphobia, and any form of discrimination. Silence is complicity. 🟩Support: Attend Pride events, donate to LGBTQ+ organizations, and support queer-owned businesses. 🟦Reflect: Examine your own biases and beliefs. Growth begins with self-awareness. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Remember, being an ally is not a title—it's an ongoing practice. It's about standing up for what's right, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about being there for the queer community not just during Pride Month, but every single day. Let's create a world where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can live authentically and freely. Thank you for your support, your love, and your commitment to learning. 💜Together, we can make a difference.💜 I am grateful to, Vista & WE CREATE SPACE for the beautiful t-shirt that reminds me daily of the power of visibility and pride. 🌈❤️ Magda (she/her) #pronounsmatters