Perspectives

The following commentators represent a broad range of nonprofit leaders, grantmakers, academics and pundits who have led—and continue to shape—the discourse on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues. Through their activism, grantmaking and writing, they offer valuable insights into the multiple ways that most grantmakers can support LGBTQ communities of color. We'll continue to build this library of perspectives and welcome suggestions for future commentators.

	Kalpana Krishnamurthy, Western States Center Effective alliances take time. Western States Center has partnered with Basic Rights Oregon to support organizations in Oregon to adopt frameworks for LGBTQ rights and racial justice. RACE and Gender Justice Programs Director Kalpana Krishnamurthy shares how to build relationships across movements for social justice.

	Urvashi Vaid, Arcus Foundation Sexual orientation, gender identity and race. From strengthening health care to overcoming age prejudice, to promoting racial and economic justice and cultivating straight allies, Arcus Foundation Executive Director Urvashi Vaid discusses how funders can affect the issues of today.

	Kenyon Farrow, Queers for Economic Justice The layers of economic hardship. Queers for Economic Justice has helped foster understanding about the economic injustices facing LGBTQ communities—in New York City and across the country. Interim Executive Director (and renowned blogger) Kenyon Farrow shares why.

	Kris Hayashi, Audre Lorde Project Multiple identities, multiple barriers. The Brooklyn-based Audre Lorde Project organizes LGBTQ people of color to stop various forms of harassment and discrimination—and to promote health, wellness and community. Executive Director Kris Hayashi relates the reasons.

	Rashad Robinson, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media, myths & inclusive representations. From The New York Times, to CNN, to Spanish-language media, GLAAD has helped promote fair, accurate and inclusive news coverage of LGBTQ people of color. Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson relates the importance of multi-dimensional representations of our diverse communities.

	Rinku Sen, Applied Research Center Focusing on solutions. To reduce racial inequities, homophobia and transphobia, social change leaders must move beyond forming tactical alliances to building authentic relationships—and we must pose solutions with emotional arguments. Applied Research Center Executive Director Rinku Sen tells us why and how.

	Harlan Pruden, Northeast Two-Spirit Society (NE2SS) Supporting indigenous efforts. The systemic barriers facing indigenous/Two-Spirit people in this country have led to catastrophic outcomes—though data rarely captures these realities. Northeast Two-Spirit Society Co-Founder Harlan Pruden explains why and outlines what funders should consider when working with Native communities.

	Benjamin De Guzman, Glenn Magpantay & Mala Nagarajan, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) An LGBTQ Asian Pacific Islander movement. The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance has formed to address issues facing their diverse communities and support local groups nationwide. Co-Directors Benjamin De Guzman, Glenn Magpantay and Mala Nagarajan discuss immigration reform, a recent directory of organizations and their role in broader LGBTQ and APPI communities.

	Andrés Duque, Blogger and Activist Addressing societal norms. From the political blogosphere, to social change movements, to government responses on HIV/AIDS among LGBTQ people of color, award-winning blogger and longtime activist Andrés Duque says it's time to think beyond an "either/or" mentality and "heal the divide."

	Jorge Cestou, Unid@s, The National Latin@ LGBT Human Rights Organization Diversity in latin@ cultures. A national organization for LGBTQ Latin@’s has formed to address the distinct issues facing a culturally and historically diverse community. Unid@s Board Co-Chair Jorge Cestou describes what a national LGBTQ Latin@ voice can accomplish.

	Crisosto Apache (Mescalero Apache) and Richard LaFortune (Anguksuar), Two Spirit Society of Denver Native identity & tribal sovereignty. The Two Spirit Society of Denver works with non-Native LGBT audiences to understand Native traditions and Two Spirit realities, and with Native populations to establish stronger relationships. Crisosto Apache (Mescalero Apache) and Richard Lafortune (of the Two Spirit Press Room in Minneapolis, MN) discuss Native/Two Spirit history and the dearth in foundation dollars to Native people.

	Masen Davis, Transgender Law Center Gender freedom and self expression. While state legislatures are gradually enacting laws to protect transgender and gender non-conforming people, significant economic, educational and health disparities continue to impact transgender people—especially transgender people of color. Transgender Law Center Executive Director Masen Davis discusses their new landmark report on California transgender people and explains what funders can do to foster gender freedom and self expression.

	Rickke Mananzala, FIERCE Building power for LGBTQ youth of color. FIERCE is a youth-led organization in New York City that moves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth of color from isolation to action. Executive Director Rickke Mananzala talks about the general lack of resources, space spaces and political organizations that address the realities of youth living at the margins—and what this means for a national movement.

	James Ross, City of New Orleans Inequality in New Orleans. For many people, Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath revealed the deep race and class divisions that have shaped New Orleans, the South and our entire country. New Orleans Deputy Director of Communications James Ross shares the lessons--and what foundations can do to address communities dealing with multiple barriers.

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