Welcome to the Swish Ally Fund!
Swish Ally Fund Makes Early Grants Announcement in Solidarity with the Movements for Black Lives
(JUNE 11, 2019) New York, NY — Swish Ally Fund at the Stonewall Community Foundation stands in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter, #BlackTransLivesMatter, #AbolishICE and all movements rising up to dismantle systemic racism, LGBTQ discrimination, transphobic violence, and police brutality.
We mourn the recent murders of Nina Pop. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Tony McDade. Ahmaud Arbery. David McAttee. James Scurlock. Maurice Gordon. And of thousands of others.
As allies, we will not stand silent in the face of this violence. We must #SayTheirNames and honor their lives with immediate action.
At this time when human dignity is under assault in our nation and institutionally-sponsored racial violence is escalating, the board of the Swish Ally Fund is accelerating its 2020 grantee announcement. “We normally distribute funding in the fall at our annual Songs in the Key of Equality benefit concert. By advancing these grants to June, we can better leverage donations to, and proudly amplify the voices of, grassroots organizations with the greatest need – right now,” explained co-founder, Sue Sena:
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Named for Sylvia Rivera, the transgender Latina activist who helped ignite the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the law project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.
NYC Anti-Violence Project
Empowers LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
FIERCE
Builds the leadership and power of LGBTQ youth of color in New York City, cultivating the next generation of social justice movement leaders dedicated to ending all forms of oppression.
Black and Pink
Works to abolish the criminal punishment system and to liberate LGBTQIA2S+ people/people living with HIV who are affected by that system.
Immigration Equality
Represents and advocates for LGBTQ immigrants fleeing violence, abuse, and persecution because of sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
Youth Pride Chorus
Harnesses the power of the performing arts to galvanize LGBTQ and straight young people, ages 13-22, as agents of change.
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The grantmaking work of Swish Ally Fund stands on the shoulders of giants – leaders who sacrificed their bodies, safety, and lives to riseup for freedom, justice, and equality on this planet.
During this Pride month, we must recognize and remember that the birth of the LGBTQIA+ movement began in June of 1969 when trans women of color said, “No. More.” – rioting for five nights against police brutality.
Swish Ally Fund is calling on all allies once more to be of service – to listen, learn, and follow these organizations and their young leaders. To contribute their skills, knowledge, bodies, and dollars to advancing their demands for transforming oppressive systems and ending the genocide being perpetrated on LGBTQIA+ people of color.
Please amplify these anti-racism resources for white people: bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES
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Learn more About the Swish Ally Fund
To request grants from the Swish Ally Fund, email your name, title, and organization name with your request to grants@stonewallfoundation.org. Please include “Swish Ally Fund” in the subject line.