Let’s use this momentum to continue to organize for and support Black queer and trans lives!
On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people cannot be fired or discriminated against in the workplace under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. We celebrate in seeing another step towards equality for all for our LGBTQ+ community members!
However, we know that for many, these steps are not enough. On June 12, 2020, the anniversary of the Pulse shooting in Orlando, FL, the Trump Administration removed nondiscrimination protections for transgender people within our healthcare system, and this past week, we have seen the murders of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells and Riah Milton, two Black trans women.
We cannot truly rejoice wins for the LGBTQ+ community in federal policy until Black trans lives matter.
Fortunately, in moments where the State fails marginalized folks, the beautiful power of community can help those most impacted.
Below are links to two fundraisers to help support covering the funeral costs of Dominique Fells and Riah Milton, a donation link to the Black Visions Collective, a Black queer and trans group organizing on the ground in Minnesota for the Movement for Black Lives, and a fundraiser in support of the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project.
- “Sending Riah Home”
- Help cover Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells funeral costs
- Donate to the Black Visions Collective
- Donate to the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project
To end, we would like to close this statement with this beautiful art piece of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells and Riah Milton done by Instagram writer and artist @augustrbean.
