All of May, and particularly this week, I’ve been reflecting on the dualities inherent in this moment we’re living in.
Vaccination rates are going up and overall Covid-19 case rates are going down across the country. Changes stemming from last year’s community uprisings for racial justice continue to spark conversations and action in profound ways. Incredible stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander brilliance and resilience are being shared for AAPI heritage month. In so many ways, there is renewed promise around us, and spring is in full bloom.
Simultaneously, the global pandemic and its compounding impact on our lives continues. We continue to see increased rates of violence against Asian Americans. This week also marks one year since the death of George Floyd, and the heightened movements for racial justice around the country.
While we’re holding these dualities and moving through these experiences and realities, our communities are continuing to show up with hope, persistence, and care. We wanted to lift up 3 cool things that we’ve made happen together over the past month.
- Our latest round of Crisis Community Care funding is out the door, and we are thrilled to be able to support such incredible, innovative, and caring work across the region, including three LGBTQ+ vaccine clinics! You can learn more about these grantee partners here, and groups can apply for funding here!
- The Oregon LGBTQ+ Older Adult Survey is now open! Since the fall of 2020, Pride Foundation has participated on an advisory committee of community partners to develop this survey to gather information to enhance planning, program development, community education and advocacy to address the service, and health needs of LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit older adults in Oregon.
- You’re invited to Tend! A Celebration of Community. On June 17th, Pride Foundation is celebrating our brilliant ecosystem and raising funds for LGBTQ+ communities at our inaugural Pride Month Event! Join us and emcee Adra Boo for a memorable evening of performances and storytelling. Learn more and RSVP today!
Thank you, as always, for making this community and this work everything that it is. We can’t wait to connect with you at Tend! and celebrate the beauty and abundance that continues to shape our world.
Katie Carter is Pride Foundation’s CEO.