Ruby's Place的动态

Call for funders to start immediately putting funding toward BIPOC and trans, lgbtq+ folks. Hot take: the best thing about the pandemic was emergency relief out of precarious poverty, which allowed for a new generation of homeowners. For artists, who primarily rely on contracted funding in competition with hundred and thousands of other artists, this type of funding is crucial to meet bare necessities in times of fear, scarcity, and need. We grow together.

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

GLAAD? 's first annual gaming report confirms what we already know, it's time to level up QUEER gaming experiences. Despite 17% of gamers identifying as LGBTQ, only 2% of games on the market contain #LGBTQIA content. Back us on #kickstarter and help us craft inclusive gaming experiences:

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

???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: ? ?????????????????? & ????????????: Zoteria prioritizes user privacy, making it a safe space to report incidents without fear of being outed. ? ????????-???????????? ????????????: Each report contributes to valuable data that helps advocate for policy changes and better support services. ? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????:?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. ???????? ???? ???? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????? ????????. ???????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? and let your voice be heard.?App links ?? in the comments. #Zoteria #Stonewall #LGBTQIA

I am sure many of us have followed the Olympics coverage for the last few weeks. I was keeping track of this while on holiday. Of course, the sports competition was amazing. Still, as always there was controversy from the drag queens at the opening ceremony to Imane Khelif's gender identity, and backlash around LGBTQ+ representation in sports. So it was great to return and listen to our recent podcast with Alan Lang who was the co-chair of the Gay Games to talk about this topic. To listen check out the link below. My key takeaways are: ?? LGBTQ+ athletes face very unique challenges in professional sports, including discrimination, stigmatisation and barriers to entry starting from a young age and continuing through their carriers ??Major events such as the Olympics can support and showcase LGBTQ+ talent by providing a highly visible platform to change people's perceptions, hearts and minds. ?? Competitive sports by its very nature can be inherently unfair and the debate on trans inclusion is often oversimplified. It ignores systemic issues like unequal access to resources and training. It also ignores that women, including cis women, come in all shapes and sizes, and winning at the elite level often comes down to having advantageous characteristics. ?? Finally, should sports be more about participation or are we all focussing on excellence which ultimately can limit access and is exclusive? Growing up in Australia where sports are revered I do understand how not being great at this can feel very exclusionary. All food for thought, so take a listen and see what you think, I certainly found it thought-provoking.

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"

It is so hard, especially when you're younger (and even moreso if you're neurodivergent and/or have mental illness), to truly be able and willing to put vulnerability and authenticity out there; but as Jaymes said, it is *vital* in the success of people-centered & mission-driven organizations. Having that touch of tangible humanity to help connect with your clients/customers/patients is so, so important - As a healthcare worker, working in home health and residential facilities, building rapport with elderly individuals who have spent their lives relying solely on themselves often requires deep authenticity and vulnerability - sometimes on the verge of being "unprofessional". Many face tremendous difficulty accepting help, even when it is clear from the outside that doing so would improve their quality of life. Whether due to past experiences that have caused trust issues or feelings of embarrassment at the thought of needing assistance for the first time, these individuals may struggle to allow themselves to be vulnerable. My role is to create a space where they feel safe enough to trust that receiving support is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards maintaining their dignity and independence. Healthcare is far from the only industry in which this approach is necessary. That touch of vulnerability and authenticity often bridges the gap between you being seen as someone strictly doing a job, and being viewed with, and for, the humanity you inherently possess.

Sometimes, someone you don't know says something that reshapes your heart. For me, one of those times was a few years ago. I was a ball of nerves, helping to organize Lititz's first Pride event. Our goal that day was to bring people together, share stories, and, maybe, change some hearts. A young non-binary speaker took the mic. With a voice that started shaky but grew ever stronger as they went, this teen said, "This is who I am, but my parents say it's a phase and (here is where their voice broke up a bit), and I guess I just want to say, 'So what if it is?' Why can't they just love me through it?" Such a simple sentiment, but the way they said it felt like the most profound thing I'd ever heard. Life is messy and hard, and we should love each other through all of it. The truth is, for LGBTQ+ kids, far too many adults are working to steal their identities, their joy, and, in doing so, their lives. While I can't change every heart (trust me, I'm trying), maybe I can help change things for these kids. That's why I'm so honored to have joined the board of Gracie's House as director of development. Our mission is to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas. Our work begins with Pride Camps for kids aged 7 to 15. These camps feature everything kids love about traditional summer camp—an adventure away from home packed with outdoor activities that foster bonding and belonging, all in a safe, affirming environment. We'll also organize Found Camps. These off-season camps offer the same outdoor learning and adventure as Pride Camps but are designed for families, found families, and adults. My job is to connect our mission to funding. I'm looking for businesses and individuals who understand that safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth save lives. Please reach out if you're ready to support work that's as rewarding as it is urgent. https://gracieshouse.com/

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