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Good afternoon,
I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing Sunday and, if you celebrate, a happy Easter.
The past few weeks have felt like a time warp, and I’ve been glad to have some time this weekend to relax with my wife and kids and consider the past month.
In many ways I’ve been feeling a growing sorrow, knowing how many people are grieving the death or severe illness of friends and family members, or trying to navigate the loss of a job or business, or just trying to take the stress of this pandemic day by day. In other ways, my heart has been filled to see folks around the world really showing up for each other: the heroic health care providers risking their safety to care for people; the neighbors helping each other with groceries, medical supplies, and virtual companionship; the educators rising to the challenge of ensuring that young people feel supported and connected. All of that is so powerful and moving – because it tells me that we’re going to get through this, together.
I’ve also been humbled to lead our team at the Campaign for Southern Equality through these turbulent waters as we’ve moved to quickly pivot our work to meet the immediate and urgent needs of LGBTQ Southerners in these times.
In the past few weeks, our team has:
* Granted $55,000 to individuals, families, community response projects, and frontline organizations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – and right now, we’re fundraising to open an additional round of grants. You can read about our COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Round in ColorLines. ([link removed])
* Coordinated the submission of a letter from 300+ youth advocates in North Carolina urging the State Superintendent to take action to protect transgender students who face increased risk of being outed right now because of an online student data management system that is not trans-inclusive. Read about the letter and this effort to protect transgender young people in The News & Observer. ([link removed])
* Hosted 14 virtual gatherings through our new programming initiative, The Front Porch, which have been attended by nearly 250 community members. Offerings have included a community support group, cooking classes, workshops on resilience and healing, information about trans health as it relates to COVID-19, online meet-ups for queer Southern artists, and an at-home barbering and grooming class. Check out this week’s schedule for The Front Porch, featuring 4 new meet-ups, below and at this link. ([link removed])
We’re here for you during this difficult time, and we can’t express our appreciation that you’ve been here for us, too. So many of you – individuals, longtime partner organizations, and friends – have reached out to share information, offer encouragement, or make a financial contribution to this work. Thank you.
I hope you all have a happy and healthy Sunday, and please know that we’re thinking about you.
Take care and stay well,
Jasmine
[link removed]
** THE FRONT PORCH SCHEDULE
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April 13 – April 17
MONDAY – #LGBTQSouth Community Support Group ([link removed])
April 13 • 12:00–1:00pm ET
Gather with other LGBTQ Southerners for virtual time together without a formal agenda. As we all responsibly practice social distancing, it’s more important than ever to seek out new ways to get connected, get to know each other, share how we’re feeling during this challenging time, and build community together. This weekly lunchtime gathering is organized and hosted by CSE’s Community Health Program Director Ivy Hill. Click to RSVP ([link removed]) .
TUESDAY – Southern Equality Studios’ Queer Artist Meet-Up Goes Virtual ([link removed])
April 14 • 4:00–5:30pm ET
If you’re a queer artist or creative in the South, join us for weekly discussions and tutorials. Topics range from how social distancing affects your art to how to monetize your creative skills in this virtual landscape. Southern Equality Studios has worked throughout 2019 and 2020 to create a space for queer Southern artists to gather and connect. This space will be facilitated by Al Murray, CSE’s Director of Engagement and Organizational Development, and Liz Williams, CSE’s Artist in Residence. Click to RSVP ([link removed]) .
WEDNESDAY – Paycheck Protection Program: A Q&A with Slater Solomon, CPA ([link removed])
April 15 • 4:00–5:00pm ET
Do you run a nonprofit? A small business? Are you self-employed? The Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act is set up to help you keep yourself and your employees on payroll during the pandemic. Learn about this funding opportunity and tips for an effective application. Slater will give an overview of the program and take your questions! Click to RSVP ([link removed]) .
FRIDAY – Southern Equality Game Night ([link removed])
April 17 • 5:00–6:00pm ET
Unwind at the end of your week by joining the Campaign for Southern Equality for a fun and informal evening of virtual games. We’ll have some virtual offerings, and we’re also open to ideas for what to play. We’re looking forward to building community with other LGBTQ Southerners in this fun, family-friendly virtual space. Click to RSVP ([link removed]) .
See the homepage for The Front Porch. ([link removed])
Donate to the Campaign for Southern Equality ([link removed])
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