That's something that activist and poet Audre Lorde said forty years ago that still rings true for me today. The fights for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and racial justice are linked, and we must stand in solidarity with those demanding change.
This June, and truly every day of the year, Planned Parenthood honors the humanity, beauty, and power of LGBTQ+ communities, and we're committed to building a world where no one experiences discrimination or violence because of who they are or who they love.
We're proud of our mission to deliver health services and education to all people with care and respect — no matter their gender identity, race, income, ZIP code, immigration status, or sexual orientation.
This past year was especially difficult for many. We've seen an extraordinary and painful increase in the loss of lives — between the COVID‑19 pandemic, an increase in hate crimes towards Asian, Black, and trans people, and more. It's clear that this violence and oppression is magnified at the intersections of racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, ableism, and other systemic injustices.
But, we've also seen the power of resistance — built on the history, contributions, and legacies of LGBTQ+ people of color.
It's crucial that we honor those who came before us and continue to build a better future together. The LGBTQ+ movement that we have today was sparked by transgender women of color like Marsha P. Johnson, Zazu Nova, and a courageous group of LGBTQ+ people who pushed back against state‑sanctioned police violence in 1969 during the Stonewall Riots. From their courageous efforts, we've learned that long‑lasting social change often comes from solidarity and protest, and we carry that with us in our fights today.
There are countless organizations working to remember the past and build a better future for all of us. This year, I want to call your attention to these four amazing organizations at the intersection of all of our fights. Please consider making a gift to them in honor of Pride month:
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Marsha P. Johnson Institute
Black and Pink The Audre Lorde Project SPARK Reproductive Justice Now
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During Pride and beyond, we're here to help you live fully and realize your dreams for a strong, healthy future. With that, have a happy and safe Pride celebration — we hope you'll join us to support the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Black and Pink, The Audre Lorde Project, and SPARK Reproductive Justice Now by making your gift today.
