SoCal Grantmakers’ Post

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: On this Thursday, August 15, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, join SoCal Grantmakers, the David Bohnett Foundation, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center for a critical discussion about how community leaders and funders can work together to combat political prejudice and nurture a culture of acceptance. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and legislation targeting trans and gender non-binary individuals' ability to live openly and freely. Attend this program to learn about the transformative power of deep canvassing, the need for year-round community engagement, and opportunities for funding LGBTQ+ advocacy. Our speakers will also highlight the Los Angeles LGBT Center's deep canvassing initiative, which trains volunteer leaders to engage with infrequent voters to educate them on issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community and increase their civic participation. Speakers will include: Eric Alfaro, Organizer at California Teachers Association Jackie Calvache, Field Organizer Los Angeles LGBT Center Angie Vroom Givant, Parent and Organizer, Glendale Unified School District’s Parents for Public Schools We will host this event in person at the LA LGBT Center and provide lunch for attendees. There will be a virtual option for participants who cannot join us in person. Register TODAY: https://buff.ly/3L4og0W This is the first event in the SCG Public Policy Team's new programming series, Paving Pathways for Democracy Funding. Each of the four sessions will explore a different avenue for funders to engage with democracy, aiming to expand philanthropy's definition of democracy funding. #SCGEvents #PublicPolicy

🌈 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

SCG's Public Policy Team is excited to launch our new event series, Paving Pathways for Democracy Funding, for funders interested in incorporating democracy funding into their portfolios and those looking to grow their ongoing democracy efforts. We believe that to support the communities we serve and create a diverse and representative government, we must continue expanding philanthropy's definition of democracy funding. To that end, we will host four sessions exploring how funders can engage with democracy work, beginning with our first session, Engaging in Deep Connection to Reduce Anti-Transgender Bias. Over the last several years, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and a wave of legislation across the country targeting trans and gender non-binary peoples' ability to live openly and freely. This hostility has reached local school boards, with groups using 'parental rights' as a pretext to push anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Today, we continue to see countless bills emerge designed to ban inclusive literature, enforce harmful outing practices, and prevent trans youth from participating in sports according to their identity. Join us and the Los Angeles LGBT Center on Thursday, August 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a candid discussion about how community leaders and funders can collaborate to combat political prejudice and foster a culture of acceptance. This event will highlight the Los Angeles LGBT Center's deep canvassing initiative, which trains volunteer leaders to engage with infrequent voters to educate them on issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community and increase their civic participation. Our panel will discuss the importance of investing in community engagement during and outside of election years and highlight more avenues for funders to engage in LGBTQ+ advocacy and foster a culture of acceptance. Register now to join this crucial conversation: https://buff.ly/3L4og0W. This event will be hosted in person at the LA LGBT Center, with lunch provided. There will also be a virtual option for participants who cannot attend in person. #Philanthropy #CommunityEngagement #SCGPublicPolicy #DemocracyFunding #LGBTQ+ #CommunityEngagement #Philanthropy #DiversityInGovernance #CivicParticipation #SoCalGrantmakers #SCG

Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week This week we celebrate the incredible contributions of lesbians to the ongoing fight for equal rights. From the Stonewall riots to the present-day for marriage equality and beyond, lesbians have been pivotal in pushing for legal protections, social acceptance, and visibility for women and LGBTQ+ community. There resilience and determination have inspired countless others to stand up and demand justice for all. As we celebrate how things have improved, we also need to recognise intersectional experiences. Lesbians with inter-sectional identities face mutliple forms of discimination, including race, ethnicity and disability. What can we all do to pioneer intersectional lesbian allyship? Amplify diverse voices: Actively uplift the stories of lesbians from diverse backgrounds. Whether it's through social media, art, literature, or grassroots activism, let's make space for all voices to be heard. Support inclusive initiatives: Throw our support behind projects/organisations that prioritise intersectionality and work to empower lesbians from all walks of life. Whether it's donating or attending events that centre diverse experiences Advocate for policy change: Support policy changes that address the intersecting forms of inequality faced by lesbians from diverse backgrounds. Whether it's healthcare equity or workplace discrimination. Let's stand together in allyship, ensuring every lesbian feels valued and included.

🏳️⚧️ READ THE LETTER, SHARE THE GRAPHICS, GET THE MERCH if you believe trans youth deserve better than how they've been treated by the media, politicians, and school boards! Our Youth Voices wrote you a letter - because rather than talk ABOUT trans youth, it's time to hear FROM them! This letter is in response to the more than 600 bills that were proposed at the state and federal level last year targeting LGBTQ+ people. It’s written for Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen who is gone too soon because school officials failed them. And it’s written for trans youth around the world who are just trying to live their lives. If you agree that trans and queer youth deserve better than how they've been treated, you can... 1️⃣ Download our "Trans Youth Deserve Better" graphics to post on your socials to spread the word, along with suggested language to share. 2️⃣ Save a copy of our Youth Voices' letter to send or e-mail to your local representatives! 3️⃣ Support our work with Trans Youth Deserve Better merch! Every dollar raised will fund our efforts to uplift the voices of trans youth — like the young people who signed this letter and in schools throughout the United States. Trans youth deserve SO MUCH better - now help us get some meaningful action going: https://lnkd.in/g9snRxRV #itgetsbetter #nexbenedict #justicefornexbenedict #transyouth #transyouthdeservebetter #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth #lgbtq #activism

As we get closer to Election Day in the U.S. in 2024, we must continue to call out hateful rhetoric espoused by anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and activists that directly impact LGBTQ+ youth. According to the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People by The Trevor Project, 90% of youth who responded said that recent politics have often negatively affected their well-being. 90 percent of our LGBTQ+ youth! A record number of anti-LGBTQ+ policies have been introduced and implemented in the last year — and they’re having a negative impact on LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health. Nearly 2/5 of LGBTQ youth and almost half of transgender and nonbinary youth said they or their families have considered moving to different states because of anti-LGBTQ+ politics and laws. The U.S. is and must continue to be a place of freedom, pursuit of happiness, and liberty for all. All means all. Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Young People: LGBTQ+ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to affirming spaces and communities. They also need the people in their lives to better understand and support their identities and advocate for them. Get more involved: Join Trevor Advocates by using the link or texting TREVOR to 50457, to get action alerts in your home state: https://lnkd.in/gq_7QssG The Trevor Project is the leading organization working to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. and beyond. The nonprofit operates several programs to help prevent and respond to the public health crisis of suicide among LGBTQ+ young people, including 24/7 free crisis services, innovative research, advocacy, public education, and peer support.

The Missouri Legislature will hear nine anti-LGBTQ+ bills in one day... again. 😡 Taking a page out of last year's playbook, the Senate will hear two bills in the Education and Workforce Committee at 1 p.m. and the House will hear seven bills in the Emerging Issues Committee. We need your voices to stand up to lawmakers by signing a petition and contacting legislators. Share your outrage at the attacks on our community including our most vulnerable populations of trans, BIPOC trans, and trans women of color, LGBTQ+ students, and families already harmed by last year’s legislation. Here are the FIVE steps to take action: 1️⃣ Sign the petition against these nine anti-LGBTQ+ bills. https://buff.ly/3Hhrc8r 2️⃣ Contact House and Senate Committee members in opposition. https://buff.ly/48udStB 3️⃣ Send in written testimony online for the House committee hearing. https://buff.ly/3RU0WWN 4️⃣ Donate $15.50 to support those who do travel to Jefferson City with gas cards: https://buff.ly/3O3UvPP 5️⃣ Follow Missouri Equity Education Partnership for additional updates.

ADVOCACY UPDATE  📣 In the last year, the national political climate has been rife with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric. These bills, and the legislators who push for them to pass, create an atmosphere of fear for LGBTQ+ young people trying to live openly and authentically. Here’s where we’re at: Of 529+  anti-LGBTQ+ bills considered  this legislative cycle so far, only 14 bills have been enacted—related to transgender youth medical care bans, sports participation, student censorship, and religious exemptions. Let us be clear: this is 14 too many. The good news? 94 anti-LGBTQ+ bills considered this year have already been defeated, and 6 bills aimed at protecting the LGBTQ+ community have already been enacted. These bills are related to anti-discrimination, inclusive school curriculum, health records, trans medical care, and suicide prevention. We know that times are challenging and politics can be difficult to understand. Always remember that we are advocating for you every step of the way, and know that your voices are being represented where decisions are being made. To Take Action Now: visit trvr.org/HB224 If you’re struggling, The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7/365 to LGBTQ+ young people seeking support. Call 1-866-7386, text ‘START’ to 678-678, or visit trvr.org/get-help 🧡 Text 50457 for Advocacy Updates. #Advocacy #LGBTQ #StateLegislation #TheTrevorProject

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

🏳️🌈 It's infuriating to witness the relentless assault on LGBTQ+ rights in legislative chambers across the country. As a queer Texan entrenched in policy work, I'm deeply troubled by the staggering number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being considered. 🏳️🌈 These aren't just statistics—they're attacks on the very essence of who we are as a community. Every bill passed sends a chilling message to LGBTQ+ Americans, including myself, that our existence is up for debate. But amidst this turmoil, there's a glimmer of hope. To all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies: 1) Educate yourselves and others on the harmful policies being proposed at the federal, state, and local level. Knowledge is our greatest tool in the fight for equality. 2) Support LGBTQ+ advocacy leaders, from nationally known organizations to your local LGBTQ+ activists, who tirelessly advocate for our rights and well-being. 3) Above all, practice self-care and solidarity. In the face of adversity, our unity and resilience will prevail. Together, we'll continue pushing back against discrimination and paving the way for a more inclusive future. #LGBTQ+ #PolicyAdvocacy 🌈