Black & Pink National

Need to spice up your watchlist? Or looking for a meaningful beach read? We got you! Here’s some book and movie recs on abolition and community care from our brilliant WeKnow cohort that’ll start your summer reading off right (or end it lol) WeKnow is our online cohort that created a research project for young people impacted by HIV. Check out their survey here: bit.ly/3xLcC8f

It's Disability Pride Month, and it's time we address the deep-rooted ableism in our society. Ableism and white supremacy are intertwined systems of oppression that marginalize disabled individuals. We must dismantle these toxic structures and advocate for equality. Disability Pride Month reminds us that love and independence are rights, not privileges. We must fight for a world where disabled people can marry, earn, and live without fear of discrimination. Our disabled loved ones deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Let's work together to create this world. #equalityforall #DisabilityPrideMonth #blackandpinknational

LGBTQ+ youth account for up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness in the US, despite only representing about 9.5% of the general population. Homelessness and housing instability were reported at higher rates among trans and nonbinary youth - with 38% trans girls, 39% trans boys, and 35% non binary youth experiencing homelessness. Under the weight of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, systems-impacted trans and queer youth are perpetually forced into survival mode and are never given the chances they deserve to access safety, wellness, happiness, and success - Which each one of us deserves. Eradicating the violent systems of incarceration and homelessness must be our first priority if we hope to see a time where LGBTQ+ youth can truly thrive! #blackandpinknational #HousingNotHandcuffs

Prison phone companies rake in millions a year while exploiting incarcerated people and their families — charging high rates and fees just to make a single phone call. Under the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, the @FCC now has the authority to set new, lower rate caps and alleviate the burden that high costs for connection places on incarcerated people and their loved ones. [ORG NAME] joins dozens of advocates in calling on the FCC to put #PeopleOverProfit and set new rate caps that are as low as possible. Read our letter: https://bit.ly/3z6MHIo 

Today, we honor and celebrate the resilience and courage of those who have lived long-term with HIV. Your stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the progress we've made in fighting this virus. Living and thriving with HIV is possible, and it's crucial for us to recognize the unique challenges and triumphs faced by long-term survivors. You are an integral part of our community, and your experiences shape our understanding and drive us toward a future free of stigma. To Our Long-Term Survivors: * You Matter: Your journey is important, and your voice is powerful. Sharing your story can inspire and educate others, breaking down barriers and misconceptions. * You Are Seen: We acknowledge the struggles and triumphs you’ve encountered. Your resilience is a beacon of hope. * You Are Supported: Our community stands with you. Let’s work together to continue to foster an environment where you feel safe, valued, and heard.

There is immense power in the generosity of our community members! Individual donations allow us to direct funds precisely where they are needed most, ensuring our members receive the care and support they deserve. Your donation this Give OUT Day is not just a gift; it is a profound investment in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by systemic injustices. Join us in our mission for trans and queer liberation this Give OUT Day! Together, we can make a real difference. https://lnkd.in/gzupHnkN

LGBTQ+ led and serving organizations are chronically under resourced. According to Funders for LGBQT Issues’ Grantmaking by US Foundations Report, for every $100 awarded by US foundations in 2021, only 28 cents specifically supported LGBTQ communities and issues; foundations allocated less than 4 cents per $100 of their total giving to trans communities and issues. These numbers are alarming, but they speak to the lack of investment in LGBTQ+ led and serving work - Which is why organizations like ours are so reliant on community donations! Please join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives and futures of systems-impacted trans and queer people this Give OUT Day! https://lnkd.in/gzupHnkN

Today we’d like to wish the happiest of birthdays to our Advocacy Manager, Kenna Barnes (aka Ms. Reba J Blige) for all the fun facts, the follow-up questions (!), and keeping us up to date with all the hot goss. From co-leading our Sex Worker Liberation Project and WeKnow, connecting with chapters, facilitating trainings, and all the other work you do behind the scenes, their dedication to the org is so appreciated. You have such a bright, bubbly spirit and bring so much joy and laughter to Black & Pink as a whole. Our team wouldn't be the same without you. Sending you lots of love today. 💞 🎉

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth Let's remember that mental health care should be a right, not a privilege. This month, let's advocate for better mental health resources for those behind the wall and the end to the brutal practice of solitary confinement. It is estimated that approximately 80,000 to 100,000 individuals are held in solitary confinement in the United States on any given day. This includes both adults and juveniles.Research has shown that prolonged isolation can cause irreversible psychological harm. We must recognize the humanity in every person and understand that true justice involves rehabilitation, not punishment through suffering. By ending this inhumane practice, we can provide better mental health resources and create environments that foster healing and growth. Let's stand together to advocate for the abolition of solitary confinement and ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the care and support they need. 

Black and Pink National is proud to support the release of ACLU's report, Policing Progress: Findings From A National Survey Of LGBTQ+ People's Experiences With Law Enforcement. The findings of this report not only highlight the vast difference in LGBTQIA+ people’s experience with law enforcement compared to cisgender and heterosexual people, but the differences within the LGBTQIA+ community. Racism and transphobia are built into the legal system and these results emphasize the impact that has on Black, Brown, and trans people engaging with law enforcement. We know that calling the police is dangerous for many of the people Black and Pink National serves. The solution to this issue is often increasing police presence or training but this data shows that there is a legitimate lack of institutional trust. We call on the people who read this report to imagine community centered and based approaches to emergency services. https://lnkd.in/gf443rDJ