AIA New York | Center for Architecture’s Post

I recently came across an image that I found inspiring. In 1983, Thomas Hoepker’s mural brought a lush, green forest to life on a wall in the South Bronx—a place facing systemic neglect, poverty, and urban decay. At the time, the South Bronx was a symbol of urban devastation; between 1970 and 1980: - The South Bronx lost over 40% of its population as people fled worsening conditions. - 80% of the housing stock was either abandoned or destroyed by fire, much of it due to arson. - Unemployment soared, with rates twice the national average, while poverty levels exceeded 40%. It was against this backdrop of neglect and disinvestment that Hoepker’s mural emerged—a vision of hope and growth painted directly onto a crumbling facade. It transformed concrete into something thriving and verdant, a reminder that beauty and possibility can exist even in the harshest environments. It also brings to mind the LGBTQ+ experience—how, so often, our community has had to create its own spaces of safety, belonging, and visibility in places where they were never given. But this sentiment transcends any one identity. Audre Lorde, a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” spoke to this intersectionality when she said: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. But they may allow us to carve a new space, where we can build something better.” Lorde’s words remind us that marginalized communities—whether defined by race, gender, sexuality, or class—are often tasked with building spaces of hope and belonging from the ground up. When the existing systems excluded us, we created vibrant ecosystems of resilience and love: from underground clubs and Pride murals to cultural movements and activist-led change. Hoepker’s mural still speaks to that truth. It stands as a testament to the power of deliberate creation—of turning empty, forgotten spaces into something lush and thriving. Whether we are carving out LGBTQ+ spaces, advocating for racial justice, or amplifying the voices of multicultural communities, the work we do matters. We may not always control the environment around us, but we can still plant seeds, nurture growth, and make something beautiful.

As we step into a new year, it’s time to rethink where we put our money, our energy, and our support. Instead of backing businesses that no longer prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—or those supporting politicians actively working to erase our existence—let’s make a conscious effort to uplift and invest in LGBTQIA2S+ owned organizations. As Charlie (Founder of Everywhere is Queer) wisely put it: "Let’s take this new year to focus our energies on organizations that see us as our most authentic selves." One amazing way to do this is by using Everywhere Is Queer, a growing platform designed to connect the LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies to queer-owned businesses and spaces worldwide. Here’s how you can get involved: 💫Sign up and explore the platform. Discover a growing searchable map of queer-owned spaces where you can shop, connect, eat, learn, and grow—all while knowing your money is going to inclusive, affirming businesses. 💫Download the app. Whether you're planning a trip or just want to explore your local area, this app puts queer-owned spaces right at your fingertips. 💫Purchase from LGBTQIA2S+ owned businesses. Whether it’s grabbing coffee from a queer-owned café, finding the perfect gift, or treating yourself, you’re helping to build economic power within our community. 💫Use the job board to support and grow inclusive workplaces or to connect with employers who value authenticity and diversity. 💫Show your support with merch from Everywhere Is Queer’s website, knowing that your purchase helps sustain a resource for our community. Imagine the impact we could create if we shifted even a fraction of our spending to businesses that uplift and celebrate US - AS WE ARE. This isn’t just about shopping—it’s about creating a more equitable and connected world for our community. This year, let’s make a commitment to support the businesses and organizations that not only see us but celebrate us. Let’s build each other up, amplify queer voices, and foster spaces where authenticity thrives. Check out Everywhere Is Queer today and take the first step toward meaningful, community-driven change. I posted about this community last year. If you missed it then, here's your chance to sign up and make a difference.

A meaningful Pride month at your organization: Recognizing the importance of equity and inclusion and matching that recognition with action to improve and address gaps. An opportunity to reflect on how your organization interacts with, engages and empowers the LGBTQIA+ community. A moment to take stock and consider updating your diversity statement. A real and measurable effort towards reaching this often marginalized community through focused programming and targeted campaigns.

May is more than just a month — it's a celebration of diversity, resilience, and unity! Join us as we highlight key events in the LGBTQIA+ calendar: May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia: On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to eradicating discrimination and championing equality for all. Let's raise our voices, stand in solidarity, and spread love and acceptance far and wide. May 17 - Pink Shirt Day: Wear pink and take a stand against bullying! Pink Shirt Day is a powerful reminder that kindness, compassion, and inclusion are the cornerstones of a supportive community. Let's create a world where everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of who they are or who they love. May 24 - Pansexual Visibility Day: Celebrate the beautiful diversity of attraction and affirm the visibility of pansexual individuals. Pansexuality acknowledges that love transcends gender, embracing the spectrum of human experience and connection. Let's amplify pan voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding within our communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, accepted, and celebrated. Together, let's embrace diversity, celebrate love in all its forms, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future! 💖

Rural Libraries are Vital: Nothing reminds me of this more than a queer youth trying to determine how to tell their parents, but experiencing the fear of being beat or kicked out of their home. Nothing reminds me of this more that the 5 year old unattended youth, who is now 8, who comes over after school everyday for a safe place to hang out. His one-liners have me on stitches frequently. Nothing reminds me of this more than seeing queer youth light up when they know they are accepted or seeing their experiences represented in safe adults. Rural youth need safe places, safe adults, and welcoming spaces. Libraries are most certainly equipped to provide that.

ICYMI: With proper LGBTQIA+ inclusion, everyone stands to benefit from a space that is less judgmental and champions uniqueness 🙌 We've launched a brand new LGBTQIA+ Toolkit that aims to help with inclusivity for young LGBTQIA+ participants and their facilitators in youth performance settings. It's not a checklist, or a set of finite rules to tick off, but a collection of our favourite starting points, covering a range of common challenges experienced by youth theatre practitioners, ways to harness new creative ideas in your work, and practical ideas to better support LGBTQIA+ people. As well as guidance on a number of topics such as casting, creative practice, and wellbeing, the Toolkit also provides resources from other sector support organisations, and will be an ever-evolving document, acknowledging that we should be constantly adapting to new ideas and approaches to inclusivity. Check it out here > https://buff.ly/3Y0XTiw

November 20 Celebration Mashup Today is a perfect blend of silliness, sweetness, reflection, and advocacy! 1. Laugh & Play: Celebrate National Absurdity Day by doing something hilariously out of the ordinary. Wear mismatched socks, create an upside-down meal, or let your pet make decisions for the day. Life’s too short to always make sense! 2. Share Compassion: Honor Transgender Day of Remembrance by spreading kindness and advocating for inclusion. Take a moment to reflect on the importance of creating a world that’s safe for everyone. 3. Celebrate Kids: It’s Universal Children’s Day, so spend some quality time with the little ones in your life. Support their dreams, share laughter, and remember that every child deserves a bright future. 4. Sweet Treats: Wrap it all up with National Peanut Butter Fudge Day! Whether you whip up a batch or enjoy some from your favorite shop, let this indulgence be the cherry on top of a memorable day. Today’s mix of fun, thoughtfulness, and indulgence reminds us to balance joy with purpose!

This Pride Month, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the individuality of everyone, whether they're a UKFCU member, UKFCU employee or anybody else. We are built on community, and that's why we're proud to recognize the LGBTQIA+ community! Check out this article to learn more about how LGBTQIA+ Americans can overcome barriers to building credit: https://ow.ly/u9hy50S7gre

Meet the 2025 Accelerate Social Change category presenters! Ethan Chen Wifi Concierge: Bridging the digital divide for seniors and underserved communities by providing affordable internet, tech support, and tutorials. Morgan Lewis Better in Color Cleveland: Fostering the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ youth through events, meetings, mentorship, and peer support. Toni Rhodes Chocolate Girls: Empowering young Women of Color with skills, confidence, and leadership through workshops, team-building activities, and events. Timothy Skaggs Breaking the Silence: Promoting awareness of Deaf challenges, advocating for ASL adoption, and improving accessibility across education, entertainment, and social services. Ryan Zapolski, CFRE and Ryan Sowers, QCLS Treats for All: Making Halloween accessible for all children, regardless of mobility, sensory sensitivities, or dietary restrictions. Learn more about their ideas👉 https://lnkd.in/euK_cy6V Thank you, Thompson Hine LLP for sponsoring the Social Change category!

Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom, Reflection, and Celebration 🇺🇸 On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery - more than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. This historic moment, now celebrated as Juneteenth, marks a significant turning point in American history and has become a symbol of African-American freedom, resilience, and heritage. As we observe Juneteenth in 2024, it's important to reflect on its profound significance: 1. The long and arduous journey to emancipation and the delayed enforcement in Texas 2. The early celebrations filled with joy, community, and shared traditions 3. The spread of Juneteenth observances during the Great Migration  4. Its growing recognition as a state and federal holiday 5. The ongoing importance of education and awareness about African-American history and experiences Today, communities across the nation commemorate Juneteenth with a range of activities, from parades and festivals to educational events and service projects. The holiday has also gained increasing acknowledgment from corporations and organizations, reflecting a growing awareness of its importance! As we mark Juneteenth, let us honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, celebrate the richness and resilience of African-American culture, and reaffirm our shared commitment to the ongoing struggle for true equality, justice, and understanding. How does your community celebrate Juneteenth? What aspects of the holiday's history and meaning resonate with you most? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments! 🤔💭 #Juneteenth #EmancipationDay #FreedomAndEquality At Mundial Media, we're proud to be the voice of the emerging audiences shaping the new America. With the power of first-party data and a new mainstream audience of over 25M consumers, we provide brands with unparalleled reach to affinity audiences across the digital landscape. Our focus on the market's fastest-growing segments – Hispanic, Black, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ – ensures that your message resonates with the communities that matter most. As the only National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)-certified minority-owned contextual marketing platform, we're committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and authentic multicultural insights to drive meaningful connections between brands and diverse audiences. Discover the Mundial Media difference today! 🌟 #Startups #AdvertisingAndMarketing