Mayer Brown’s Post

LGBTQ+ led and serving organizations are chronically under resourced. According to Funders for LGBQT Issues’ Grantmaking by US Foundations Report, for every $100 awarded by US foundations in 2021, only 28 cents specifically supported LGBTQ communities and issues; foundations allocated less than 4 cents per $100 of their total giving to trans communities and issues. These numbers are alarming, but they speak to the lack of investment in LGBTQ+ led and serving work - Which is why organizations like ours are so reliant on community donations! Please join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives and futures of systems-impacted trans and queer people this Give OUT Day! https://lnkd.in/gzupHnkN

⭐️This is what a charity CEO looks like ⭐️ To be a leader of a small-medium sized charity you have to keep it real, think big and remain grounded by the communities you serve. This weekend, I rolled up my sleeves to support St Helens Pride and Sefton Pride (Southport) 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✊ These two events wonderfully celebrated our LGBTQ+ community - creating a much-needed grassroots alternative to larger Pride festivals. They also provided a platform for charities like Sahir House to authentically challenge stigma and discrimination whilst promoting our vital front-line LGBTQ+ services. Today, I’m back in the office, penning business cases, mulling over finances and prepping for back-to-back meetings this afternoon. I don’t know if I’ll ever used to the fact that I’m the figurehead of my organisation. Me - a gay working-class lad with autism (and generalised anxiety disorder) - leading a charity! 🤯😊 But perhaps it’s about time we do more to challenge the idea of what a CEO should look, act and sound like. I want to do what I can to encourage folks who aspire to leadership to feel confident that, whatever their background, they can not only achieve their career goals but break new ground, and thrive. #leadership #ceo #thoughtleadership #inclusion #diversity #proud #community #charity #charitysector

WHY IT MATTERS:

https://lnkd.in/gAe-HJBq Donate to a Top-Rated #LGBTQ #charity. View CharityWatch's list to see which organizations have high financial #efficiency, good #governance, and #transparency.

"Foundations allocated less than 4 cents per $100 of their total giving to U.S. trans communities and issues." -- 2021 Tracking Report: LGBTQ Grantmaking by U.S. Foundations It's been 3 years. What do you think has changed since then? The truth is, I don't know for sure, but I highly speculate that these 4 cents have not increased significantly, if at all. Point of Pride is unique in that our largest fundraiser each year comes directly from the community we serve. In just 2 years, we've seen over 70,000 individuals from the trans, nonbinary, gender-diverse communities, and our allies make donations, averaging $44 each. This community-driven funding constitutes a significant portion of our annual budget, supporting our 5 direct-service programs. I'm grateful for any person, company, or foundation that recognizes life-saving gender-affirming care as a fundamental right for all trans and nonbinary people. As we move into the second half of 2024, I hope to see this support grow rather than shrink, despite the challenging political climate surrounding transgender healthcare and access rights.

Charity Navigator is your go-to source for channeling your passion into action. It's the platform that links millions of people to charities that perfectly match their values and interests. 🌍💙 We're thrilled to share that we've achieved an exceptional 99% rating on Charity Navigator! 📊 This impressive rating is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advocacy and creating positive change. It's all about making the world a better place. 🌟✨ For CenterLink, this rating isn't just a number; it's a powerful validation of our mission. 🏳️🌈 We're an international nonprofit organization, a network of LGBTQ+ centers and organizations, working tirelessly to strengthen and connect LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. With over 325 member LGBTQ+ centers globally, we're fostering growth, wellness, and unity in local communities. 🌎❤️ Do you have questions about how Charity Navigator ratings work or how they relate to our advocacy efforts? 📊🌟 We're here to provide answers! Drop your queries in the comments below, and let's have a meaningful conversation about the impact of your support. 💬🙌 📸 [Image Description: CenterLink Logo-themed graphic featuring the Charity Navigator Logo and CenterLink's stellar rating] #CharityNavigator #ImpactMatters #AdvocacyGoals #LGBTQCommunity #StrengthInUnity #SpreadLove #MissionValidation 🌟🏳️🌈🌍❤️🙌💬

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to be a proactive ally. Get your hands on these must-read books and visit essential websites to deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Show your support by following impactful organizations, donating to LGBTQ+ charities, and volunteering your time. Together, we can make a difference every day. #SupportLGBTQ+ #PrideMonth #AllyshipInAction #Resources #Knowledge

WHY IT MATTERS:

Third Sector In-depth: How are LGBT+ charities navigating hostile environments? 🏳️🌈 This was such an important piece of work for me both professionally and personally (and the longest feature I've written for Third Sector yet!). It was a privilege to speak to so many incredible LGBT+ charity CEOs and former chiefs about the increasingly challenging environment that staff working in these institutions are currently facing, and hear about how the sector is rallying together to continue the good fight. A big thank you to Nancy Kelley, Lauren Stoner, Tim Spoor MA DipSW MInstF (cert) FRSA MBE and Paul Roberts OBE for speaking with me and for all the work you do. Short excerpt: "In recent years, the media spotlight has turned increasingly on the work of LGBT+ charities. “All-powerful Stonewall has overreached itself”, read the headline on an opinion piece in The Times newspaper in 2021. “Where did it all go wrong for trans charity Mermaids?”, a feature in The Spectator magazine asked in 2022. "And in recent days, a columnist in the London Evening Standard newspaper described Stonewall as a “pernicious, ubiquitous campaigning group”, in a column that argued the LGBT+ rights charity “has a terrible grip on British public life”. "In an environment where the media, politicians and public discourse can veer towards narratives that are unfriendly or outright hostile to LGBT+ communities and their allies, charities that serve this space appear to be subject to an increase in leadership churn..." Read more below ⬇

Today our we presented the results of our LGBTQIA+ survey. Some worrying statistics which show that prejudice and harassment still exists. Part of the purpose of the survey was to discover how we at Citizens Advice Gateshead might be able to help. We discovered that while 68% of respondents knew about Citizens Advice only 37% knew what sorts of services we provide. Then sadly 45% of respondents weren't sure if they would be comfortable coming to see us for information, advice and guidance and from the comments we surmised that people were worried about their confidentiality and being "outed". So our event today was timely and we had some really good conversations with our guests including Fighting With Pride - LGBT+ Military Charity, AKT and Pride in Mind about what the next steps might be. One of our first next steps is our dedicated drop-in for LGBTQIA+ people which is taking place Sunday 1st October between 10 and 2. If you'd like to know more about our project or about the drop-in then please drop me a message. #lgbtqsupport #inclusivespaces #pride