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Dear Friend,
We are in a transformative moment in history where many of us are reimagining our communities and leading change on multiple, interconnected fronts. LGBTQ folks experience higher levels of violence, including domestic and sexual violence. We continue to see attacks on the rights of LGBTQ individuals. For 50 years, Peace Over Violence has offered consistent, crucial healing services for survivors of violence and critical prevention education to help bring about cultural shifts in our field and communities. We continue to support domestic and sexual violence survivors of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions and the fight for liberation.
“One of the most important things to remember in celebrating PRIDE month - which stands for equality for everyone - is that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and questioning people are some of the bravest people on the planet.”
-Patti Giggans, POV Executive Director & CEO
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Re-entering & Rebuilding
Many of the pandemic restrictions have been or will be lifted soon here in Los Angeles. We have officially started our re-entry into our brand new office. We will be operating as a hybrid organization this summer with the goal of full capacity for staff and services this fall.
When the pandemic hit, we transitioned immediately and seamlessly to virtual work and service provision. Throughout the last year and a half, we have learned so much and weathered new challenges, growth, and flexibility that will inform our re-entry and our re-building. We have experienced change on another level - and we have seen the demand for our services grow.
Our new space allows for us to show up and be present and responsive to the everpresent needs of our community. We are looking forward to the day in the near future when it can operate at its full capacity.
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POV’s People: Where are they now?
Throughout this year, we will be highlighting individuals or groups that have impacted our work over the last 50 years.
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Sandra Henriquez
Sandra worked at LACAAW now POV from 1985-2006 --- 21 years! She first volunteered on the hotline in 1985 and officially joined the staff in 1988 as the accompaniment coordinator and in Latina Services programming. She then became a Project Director and eventually an Associate Director. In her time, Sandra helped us find a new home and move, became an exceptional empowerment self defense teacher, stewarded new and evolving programs, expanded the scope and size of the agency, and raised a family. Sandra was often the “inside person” to Patti’s “outside person” -- an invaluable member of the team.
Sandra is now is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ValorUS (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault). She has led the organization since 2010, helping to elevate the profile of sexual violence and the work of rape crisis center programs throughout the state and nation. As VALOR’s CEO, she has helped to transform the organization’s culture and strategies by centering and amplifying the voices and experiences of those who are most marginalized, and working to create systemic change.
“I began my work in the movement at Peace Over Violence (POV). The years I spent there instilled a belief in me that everyday people can create a world free from sexual and domestic violence. Creating a healthy and just world requires fearlessness and perseverance. I feel blessed to have had POV, an agency with vision and influence as the training ground for what has become my life's work.”
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Celeste Rodriguez
Celeste was a member of a POV run Students Together Organizing Peace (STOP club) from 2003-2007 at James Monroe High School. She went on to San Diego State and then completed her MSW at USC. Celeste now leads Community Wealth Building initiatives for the City of Los Angeles. Prior to that, she worked for the Los Angeles Mayor's Offices of Economic Development, Veterans Affairs, and Economic Opportunity, where she secured and managed millions of dollars for neighborhood improvement and economic development projects, public services, and created policies and programs to uplift communities. In November 2020 Celeste was elected to the San Fernando City Council to serve a four year team. Her focuses include ensuring economic stability for residents and businesses and strengthening programs for families.
"Many experiences have led me to dedicate my life to public service, including being a member of Students Together Organizing Peace. The program highlighted the possibilities of collective action and the importance of violence prevention...I now work to prevent violence that comes in a different form- including poverty and inequality.”
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Edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience. Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more.
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Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh
WOMXN is a spoken word poetry compilation reflecting the multiple layers of experience and identity that embody who the WOMXN is and can be. The X is in protest and resistance to the term's patriarchal roots that remain relevant today, as our existence is only humanized when imagined as the extension of a man - a wife, sister or daughter, rather than as individuals with bodies and souls worthy of justice and equal in human value. The author's shared histories are presented in the form of chapters to include ways in which WOMXN can be emotionally unhoused in exile, empowered in solidarity and more. There will always be a dominant story - this book is a way to make room for the othered story - the counterstory - in poetry.
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While this month is a time for celebration, it’s also an important moment to consider the specific needs of the community and how to address them to build a better future.
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By Brittany Valentine
2021 has been a difficult year for the LGBTQ community, specifically for trans youth. As of June 6, state legislatures across the country have introduced more than 100 bills restricting trans rights. Many of these bills are targeting trans girls and women, banning them from participating on sports teams alongside cisgender girls and women. Some are even dangerous, as they involve restricting access to gender affirming healthcare, which can be life-saving in many cases.
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POV Emergency Relief Fund
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far from over, and we remain committed to supporting those that need help the most. Survivors, especially survivors of color, have been disproportionately financially impacted by the pandemic. We know that the biggest obstacle to survivor safety is financial insecurity; their number one need is for money to help support and sustain themselves and their families. Last year, we established the Peace Over Violence Emergency Relief Fund to provide direct cash assistance to survivors in the Los Angeles region, collectively building and coordinating resources to meet their most immediate and essential needs. The need for this fund continues. By donating now, you can help ensure that the most vulnerable are supported.
Donate to the Fund Now
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Support healing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
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CONTACT
Metro Headquarters
1541 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.955.9090 office
213.955.9093 fax
213.785.2684 video
213.785.2749 video
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West San Gabriel Valley Center
892 N Fair Oaks Ave, Suite D
Pasadena, CA 91103
626.584.6191 office
626.584.6193 fax
626.243.7972 video
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