In connection with The Center’s RiseOut program, we invited applications for our first Activist-in-Residence Fellowship Program. Our goal is for The Center to contribute to social justice movements by continually investing in the next generation of Black and Indigenous leaders and other leaders of color who are committed to advancing equity and opportunity on behalf of the LGBTQ community in New York State. In its inaugural year, the program sought to specifically and intentionally support Black LGBTQ New Yorkers as fellows.

After a competitive application process, with over 40 applications submitted, we are thrilled to introduce you to the next wave of changemakers! The following outstanding individuals will serve as fellows for 2021. In addition to receiving a $15,000 stipend towards their projects, they will receive hands-on support from Center leaders to propel their work to the next level!​​​​​

Dominic Bradley is a Brooklyn-based nonbinary artist and educator reared in the crunk-era “Dirty South.” Dominic works in multiple disciplines including visual art, writing, and performance. Dominic’s project will focus on the support of BIPOC LGBTQ New Yorkers through innovative mental health supports.

Joshua Allen is a nonbinary artist & activist from Brooklyn, NY. In 2016, they founded the Black Excellence Collective, an organizing hub for and by Black LGBTQI+ young people, and served as a co-organizer and co-host of the 2020 Brooklyn Liberation March. Joshua’s work will focus on a youth mentorship program for Black TGNC and queer youth.

We thank Jan Siegmund and Susie Scher/Goldman Sachs Gives for sponsoring and making it possible to offer this initiative. To learn more about the RiseOut advocacy program and how you can plug into our work, please visit our website!

In solidarity,

Shijuade Kadree
Chief Advocacy Officer