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.

	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.

	Ron Rowell, Native Americans in Philanthropy The importance of native histories. Learning the various histories and crushing societal conditions of Native people in our country—including Two-Spirit communities—is crucial for grantmakers. Native Americans in Philanthropy Board Chair Ron Rowell shares some insights.

	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.

	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."

	Ignatius Bau, The California Endowment A healthy, more equitable society. From patient-centered quality care to immigration reform, many policies explicitly affect LGBTQ people of color. The California Endowment believes that what's most most needed for LGBTQ communities is what's most needed for everyone in our society. Program Director Ignatius Bau explains this framework.

	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.

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