And the winner is…

We all know that voting is one way of shaping the world we want to live in. Each year, members of our young leaders group, Stonewall Quarter Share (SQS), have the opportunity to make a difference in New York City's LGBTQ community by voting for an organization to receive their annual grant.

This year’s grant cycle - the largest in SQS history at $40,000 - aimed to back Black trans voices, agency, and leadership by funding an organization that is led by a Black transgender person or people. After reviewing ten phenomenal proposals, SQS members ranked their choices, and one organization came out on top. We couldn't be more proud to support the life-changing work of GLITS Inc, led by powerhouse organizer and activist, Ceyenne Doroshow. Check out their acceptance video.

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the roadblocks to health and wellness for trans people of color. GLITS creates holistic solutions to the health and housing crises faced by LGBTQ individuals experiencing intersecting oppressions, through a lens of harm reduction, human rights principles, social justice, and community empowerment. In November, GLITS launched a new housing site with 12 apartments - the first such community in NYC both by and for trans and gender non-conforming people. GLITS plans to use the SQS grant funding to cover salary and operating expenses for the new facility, allowing them to provide a clean, safe, secure home as well as offer space for community events, educational programming, workshops, and support groups.

With your help, SQS can continue moving resources to LGBTQ folks who need them most. Stonewall Quarter Share’s silent auction ends TONIGHT, 12/16 at 6pm - there’s something for everyone, so place your bids now!