Dennis Ross’ Post

WHY IT MATTERS:

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

Reminder: #Pride doesn't end just because June ends. At Centennial Peaks, all are welcome here - this fact is woven into the fabric of the work we do every day, not just #PrideMonth. In the spirit of continuing awareness, support and allyship, here's a snapshot of our bulletin board in our main hallway that reminds us every day. Here are five ways to continue allyship beyond the month of June: 1.) Educate yourself: Learn all about the history of the LGBTQ+ community, it's history and challenges. 2.) Donate: Give back to the LGBTQ+ community by donating to an affiliated non-profit. 3.) Increase LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Workplace: If your workplace doesn't have a culture that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusivity, speak to your manager about ways to be more inclusive to this community. 4.) Watch a documentary on The Stonewall Riots. Learn how it all began by watching an informative documentary on the Stonewall Riots and all the events that preceded and followed them. 5.) Be supportive: If someone you know is LGBTQ+, be a supportive friend on their journey. Though mental health is pervasive across humanity, marginalized groups tend to be at higher risk of struggling. Be an ally, educate yourself and be a good human!

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to be a proactive ally. Get your hands on these must-read books and visit essential websites to deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Show your support by following impactful organizations, donating to LGBTQ+ charities, and volunteering your time. Together, we can make a difference every day. #SupportLGBTQ+ #PrideMonth #AllyshipInAction #Resources #Knowledge

Ohio, do better. Read below for some of my thoughts on the HB 68 decision.

A statement from NEOCH's Director of LGBTQ+ Navigation Services about HB 68: I am profoundly outraged by the court's ruling on House Bill 68. With over a decade of experience working with youth, I am acutely aware of the severe harm and fear this decision will inflict. Access to gender-affirming care is a critical aspect of well-being and stability for many folks, and legal restrictions on this essential care will only intensify the already overwhelming challenges faced by marginalized communities. Trans and non-binary youth already face significant obstacles, including disproportionately high rates of housing instability and homelessness. Limiting their access to gender-affirming care exacerbates these difficulties and jeopardizes their mental and emotional health. Ensuring that all individuals have access to supportive and affirming care is crucial for their well-being and autonomy. If you are determined to make a difference, consider donating to The Future is Queer Fund. https://lnkd.in/gpUU4uph

Did you know that many workplaces match their employee's donations to nonprofits? Sometimes they even match donations if someone from your household gives! This is a free way for you to double or even triple your impact to support It Gets Better. By doubling your donation and impact through a workplace match, you’ll help us connect with LGBTQ+ youth early, building their confidence and self-worth. With 73% of Gen-Zers saying they feel alone some of (or all of) the time, we foster connections and meaningful relationships to help LGBTQ+ youth better navigate the world around them. From funding 140+ student-led, school based grants to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ students around the country to helping the leaders of tomorrow advocate for their peers today through our Youth Voices program, It Gets Better is working toward a future where LGBTQ+ youth are not just surviving but thriving. Unsure if your company has a matching program? Ask HR or your Social Impact Team for the proper forms to complete your match. Questions? Message us! This small task can have a huge impact on LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. DONATE: https://lnkd.in/eS7BiZJH #itgetsbetter #matchingprograms #donationmatch #employeematch #nonprofit #lgbtq #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth

Native Led and Native Controlled are two different things. It's not enough to be Native Led. We must control the organizations that serve and represent our communities. Control means Native organizations with 100 percent Native Boards of Directors. #native #philanthropy #leadership #tribal #nativecontrol

As we approach the year's end, let's applaud the resilience and wisdom of LGBTQ+ older adults! Dedicate your year-end donations to guarantee they receive the support and resources they rightfully DESERVE, enabling them to thrive in communities throughout Colorado. Your generosity holds the power to create a significant impact, nurturing inclusivity and preserving the dignity of those who've paved the way. Click the link or go to envision-you.org to give back today! https://bit.ly/47VBKWh . . . . #LGBTQ #lgbtq #mentalhealth #nonprofit #donate #giveback #SupportLGBTQ+ #MentalHealthMatters #MakeADifference . [Image Description: Grey background with an image of an older adult partially shown in color. The person is wearing a white shirt and has facial hair and standing in front of a green background. The words "LGBTQ+ Coloradans Deserve Affirming Care and Communities" is at the top of the image. The word "deserve" is in green to match the background. A small black box with the word "DONATE" is in the bottom right corner with "envision-you.org" below.] End Description.]

"Foundations allocated less than 4 cents per $100 of their total giving to U.S. trans communities and issues." -- 2021 Tracking Report: LGBTQ Grantmaking by U.S. Foundations It's been 3 years. What do you think has changed since then? The truth is, I don't know for sure, but I highly speculate that these 4 cents have not increased significantly, if at all. Point of Pride is unique in that our largest fundraiser each year comes directly from the community we serve. In just 2 years, we've seen over 70,000 individuals from the trans, nonbinary, gender-diverse communities, and our allies make donations, averaging $44 each. This community-driven funding constitutes a significant portion of our annual budget, supporting our 5 direct-service programs. I'm grateful for any person, company, or foundation that recognizes life-saving gender-affirming care as a fundamental right for all trans and nonbinary people. As we move into the second half of 2024, I hope to see this support grow rather than shrink, despite the challenging political climate surrounding transgender healthcare and access rights.