Twitch’s Post

In the discourse surrounding the decriminalization of oppressive laws, transparency and the pursuit of practical solutions are paramount. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Black transgender individuals should have the same privilege to voice their concerns in spaces. To address this disparity, a proactive approach is needed to create inclusive environments that invite and amplify the voices of Black transgender individuals. By fostering these spaces, we can ensure that their perspectives contribute meaningfully to the discussions surrounding decriminalization, fostering a more equitable and just society.

June is a powerful month, marked by varied significant celebrations: Juneteenth, commemorating when the news of the end of slavery reached the remaining enslaved Black people in the US, and Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQIA+ fight for equality. At CHALICE Premium, these celebrations are deeply intertwined. We celebrate the spirit of these moments – the resilience of Black Americans and the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality – not just in June, but throughout the year. Intersectionality, a framework developed by Black feminist scholars like Patricia Hill Collins, reminds us that social identities like race, gender, and sexual orientation overlap. Black LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges navigating a world with prejudice based on both race and sexual orientation. The iconic rainbow Pride flag, while powerful, doesn't fully encompass this complexity. #Juneteenth #PrideMonth #BlackPride #CHALICEPremium #Intersectionality #CelebrateDiversity

The intersection of queer theory and service design resonates deeply, particularly this quote: "…being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live." This speaks to both the service designer's role in challenging existing systems and the queer experience of navigating a world not always built for them. https://lnkd.in/eYP98NGt

LWV advocates for queer liberation by declaring that full rights to our identity are fundamental to real democracy. Queer Americans living their truth are an unimpeachable part of this country's promise to be by the people and for the people. Democracy includes everyone, and that's exactly what Pride is all about. Learn more: https://buff.ly/2HagDm3

Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions the Black community has made to this country's development. Whether in science, arts, politics, business, technology, or the military, members of this community have excelled, if not thrived, despite the historical and socio-political context of racism and discrimination. While we celebrate their excellence, culture, and heritage, the community still faces challenges in the space of mental health. According to a 2018 survey, 60% expressed a greater willingness to use mental health services if the professionals were Black. However, underrepresentation of the community persists in this profession, aggravating the gap in accessing mental health services. Consider the kind of resources available to a Black disabled member of the LGBTQ+ community. Who is looking into the intersectionality within the Black community? Where is the latest research on the mental health of Black community members in Canada? Let this Black History Month be an opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions, appreciate the role Black communities continue to play in our society's development, and serve as a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to stand against discrimination and racism in all spheres, always and beyond this month. There is still much work to be done to elevate the generational trauma and pain this community has endured. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #EqualityForAll #BlackMentalHealth #BlackLivesMatter Survey link- https://lnkd.in/ezupHEdD

Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions the Black community has made to this country's development. Whether in science, arts, politics, business, technology, or the military, members of this community have excelled, if not thrived, despite the historical and socio-political context of racism and discrimination. While we celebrate their excellence, culture, and heritage, the community still faces challenges in the space of mental health. According to a 2018 survey, 60% expressed a greater willingness to use mental health services if the professionals were Black. However, underrepresentation of the community persists in this profession, aggravating the gap in accessing mental health services. Consider the kind of resources available to a Black disabled member of the LGBTQ+ community. Who is looking into the intersectionality within the Black community? Where is the latest research on the mental health of Black community members in Canada? Let this Black History Month be an opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions, appreciate the role Black communities continue to play in our society's development, and serve as a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to stand against discrimination and racism in all spheres, always and beyond this month. There is still much work to be done to elevate the generational trauma and pain this community has endured. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #EqualityForAll #BlackMentalHealth #BlackLivesMatter Survey link- https://lnkd.in/gbPzV7wv

Storytelling isn’t just a form of entertainment. For George M. Johnson, writing has the power to change lives. The award-winning Black non-binary author was named to the TIME100 Next, TIME‘s annual list of rising stars, and Out’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ People. Their New York Times bestselling memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, is a powerful recounting of George’s adolescence growing up as a young Black queer boy in New Jersey. In this quote, George emphasizes the incredible power of storytelling, and how it opens paths for others to live their life more authentically. In talks, they illuminate issues that Black queer people still face today—like toxic masculinity, LGBTQIA+ policy and law, and intersections of oppression—and how these issues play out in communities on the ground. With honesty and openness, they show us how we have the power to create a world where all young people are free to be fully themselves. To learn more about George or to book them for your next event, check out their speaking page here: https://lnkd.in/gP7hgXQZ

"Black History Month is not merely a moment of remembrance; it stands as a tribute to our rich history and serves as a poignant reminder of the work that awaits us in the months and years ahead." 🌍✊🏾 During this significant month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black individuals throughout history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating this heritage beyond the confines of a single month. 🌐❤️ In the face of challenges, Black History Month urges us to UNITE,  recognizing the ongoing journey towards JUSTICE, EQUALITY, and UNDERSTANDING. 🗣️🌈 For organizations dedicated to fostering INCLUSIVITY,  For our LGBTQ centers, this month holds particular importance. It underscores the continual need for education, open dialogue, and the dismantling of systemic barriers, ensuring that the intersectionality of race and sexual orientation is acknowledged and embraced. By prioritizing awareness and understanding, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. 🤝💙 Your voice matters in amplifying the narrative of progress.  Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, fostering a dialogue that elevates the stories and achievements of the Black community and the LGBTQ community. 📣❤️ Let's create a space where the legacy of Black history, coupled with the experiences of the LGBTQ community, is not confined to a month but woven into the fabric of our shared understanding and appreciation. 🏳️🌈✨  📸 [Image Description: A Dark Blue Themed Image featuring the CenterLink brand with a background showcasing a black group of activist. The text reads, "Celebrating Black History Month"Black History Month is not merely a moment of remembrance; it stands as a tribute to our rich history and serves as a poignant reminder of the work that awaits us in the months and years ahead."] #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateOurLegacy #UnityInDiversity 🌐🌈

Have you found your family? What can we learn from the wisdom of the queer community? Dominic Longo explains the value of having a Pride Tribe and so much more. Check out his full episode: https://lnkd.in/emz4iZAR