We’re excited to finally be on Tumblr!
About this blog: Today’s LGBT movement is in significant flux. It is also finally beginning to address the historic and systematic exclusion of POC and trans* experience and priorities from what has become a very wealthy, very privileged, and very white-cis-male-centered movement for legal equality.
We also operate within a nonprofit system that is designed to surveil and stifle meaningful social movement. And, despite the fact that Americans give over $330 billion to charitable causes each year, we struggle to make ends meet and make a sustainable impact.
“In 2013, the largest source of charitable giving came from individuals at $241.32 billion, or 72% of total giving; followed by foundations ($50.28 billion/15%), bequests ($26.81 billion/8%), and corporations ($16.76 billion/5%).” - National Philanthropic Trust, Charitable Giving Statistics
To use Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s words, the game is rigged. Up and down every system of society - education, economic, political, employment, housing, security, health - we find gross inequity and injustice. And, yes, the nonprofit system, too - including the institution of the state equality organization.
So, how can we as state equality organizations and leaders work within these realities and still be effective? How can we be better partners in coalition with POC- and trans*-centered leaders, organizations, and movements? What are some of the leadership skills and qualities that help move us? And, how do we do it within the likely context of being primarily white-led organizations with primarily white bases of support, and while facing a funding landscape that resources little beyond the issues of marriage equality and nondiscrimination?
This isn’t meant to be a “we have all the answers” blog. We hope this will be a space where we can share, discuss, learn, grow, and become more like the kind of leaders, organizations, and movements we envision. And, it’s not like we’ll be saying anything new; the fact is, trans* and POC communities have long known and been saying what we - white people - are just beginning to talk about. Which is why we have a lot of work to do.
We look forward to this important conversation, and hope you will engage with us :)
In solidarity,
Amber Royster
Executive Director