As the new year kicks into full gear, we’re reflecting with gratitude on all the amazing milestones accomplished in 2023 and are reminded that our collective work is needed now more than ever. Throughout the Northwest and beyond, LGBTQ+ communities continue to face opposition and attacks on their rights.
Currently, there are more than 10 bills in our region targeting LGBTQ+ rights introduced for the 2024 legislative session — more than half of which target LGBTQ+ youth. Despite these challenges, we’re inspired by the power of our collective and the on-going advocacy, support, and resistance we’ve witnessed from our community.
Celebrating the steps taken toward fulfilling our mission to advance equity and justice for LGBTQ+ people in all communities across the Northwest inspires us as we walk the path to collective liberation. Check out these 3 Cool Things from the Pride Foundation community this month:
- We hosted our first-ever virtual Year End Review where we celebrated the amazing milestones and accomplishments in our community from 2023! More than 100 people from across our region signed up to join us on Zoom as we shared stories from across our organization — thank you so much to everyone who attended! In case you missed it, you can watch the replay here.
- We received a record 1,048 scholarship applications — the most in Pride Foundation history! Our scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students who are leaders in their own lives, families, communities, fields of study, workplaces, or in our movements for justice.
- We’re excited to share that Omni Romero (they/them), our Director of CARE (Community Advocacy, Research, and Education) has joined the board of Philanthropy Northwest! Join us in congratulating them on their appointment and in expressing our gratitude for their work to deepen our relationships and impact on local philanthropy! You can read the full announcement from Philanthropy Northwest here.
P.S.: We’re hiring a Community Engagement Fundraising Manager! If you know someone who would be a great fit, we invite you to share our job posting here.
With gratitude,
Jamila Taylor