Decriminalizing LGBTQ Lives

In early October, young philanthropists from Stonewall’s Quarter Share (SQS) program gathered for our annual Revel celebration, where we awarded not just one, but two grants of $22,000 each. This year’s grant theme, decided upon by SQS members, was inspired by those who fought back against unjust policing and criminalization during the Stonewall Riots in 1969. To honor this legacy, we awarded grants to two organizations working today to decriminalize LGBTQ lives and livelihoods. The winners, along with the runner-ups are:

WINNERS

Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) - For transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people, stigma and discrimination lead to cycles of poverty, homelessness, and participation in survival economies. SRLP moves TGNC people out of the vulnerability of being criminalized through advocacy, community organizing, and free legal services. With funding from SQS, SRLP is deepening this work through Know Your Rights trainings; the Prisoner Advisory Coalition; and the Immigrant Justice Project, which aids undocumented TGNC people in securing immigration status.

Peter Cicchino Youth Project & Sex Workers Project - The Sex Workers Project advocates for people engaged in sex work, whether by choice, circumstance, or coercion. The Peter Cicchino Youth Project provides legal services, case management, and advocacy for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. With funding from SQS, these groups are collaborating on efforts to decriminalize sex work through policy and culture change. Their proposed strategies include lobbying for statewide decriminalization bills, mobilizing other nonprofits to the cause, and educating the public.

RUNNER-UPS

Center for HIV Law & Policy - While New York State does not have an HIV-specific criminal statute, other felony offenses, such as assault and reckless endangerment, have been used to prosecute people accused of “exposing” others to HIV or having sex without disclosing their HIV status. The Center for HIV Law and Policy challenges barriers to the rights and health of people affected by HIV through legal advocacy, policy initiatives, and research.

Translatinx Network - Sex workers face discriminatory policies and attitudes that jeopardize their rights, health, and safety. In particular, transgender women engaging in sex work or perceived to be engaging in sex work are disproportionately targeted by the police, leading to increased harassment and arrest. Translatinx Network is dedicated to improving the lives of TGNC people in New York through social and health services, advocacy, and public education.

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