Point of Pride

Today, July 14, we honor and celebrate our beautiful community beyond the gender binary. Non-binary individuals often face transphobia and stigma just for being who they are. To all our non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demigender, and agender friends (and everyone in between), please remember today and every day: 💛 Your identity is valid and not "too hard" or "too much" to understand. 🤍 Your gender expression is beautiful. 💜 Your pronouns and expression can evolve as you do. 🖤 You are never alone, even when you feel lonely. You have a whole community of siblings and allies who see you and support you. Let's continue to stand together, celebrate diversity, and foster inclusivity. 🏳️⚧️

🚨 Just released: the Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map: July 2024 Edition by Erin Reed, a valued member of Point of Pride's Advisory Board. Erin's exceptional reporting on anti-trans legislation is a must-follow. Her detailed analysis is crucial for keeping our community and our allies informed and prepared. This latest assessment underscores a critical reality: the national risk for transgender youth remains high as we approach the 2024 elections.

Congratulations Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D.! 🏆 This is well deserved and we are proud to have you on our Advisory Board! BRAVO!

🌈✨ What a night at Cal Academy’s PRIDE NightLife! Our amazing Board Co-President Liz (they/them, right) had a heartwarming reunion with one of our first-ever Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipients, Mateo (he/him, left). Back in early 2016, we could only provide $2,300 for Mateo’s care, one of just two recipients that year. Fast forward to today, and in 2024 we’ve awarded 47 individuals with more than $670,000! Seeing Mateo’s growth and the journey of all our recipients, thanks to access to surgery, HRT, permanent hair removal, and other gender-affirming care, is beyond inspiring. Their stories of transformation and thriving are the heart of our mission. Discover more about our impact and how you can support at www.pointofpride.org.

Yesterday, the Biden administration confirmed its position that gender-affirming surgery should be limited to adults. Surgeries for trans youth are extremely rare and are usually considered on a case-by-case basis after years of comprehensive healthcare. Despite this, anti-trans groups spread misinformation, claiming these surgeries are common. The administration’s stance is problematic because it lends credibility to a false narrative. The truth is that healthcare for trans youth is based on decades of clinical research and is endorsed by every major medical association in the U.S. We believe in supporting trans youth. We trust our families and our healthcare providers. All of us—trans or cis—should have the autonomy to make informed medical decisions without political interference.

🏳️⚧️ 4 DAYS LEFT to apply to Point of Pride's HRT Access Fund! 🏳️⚧️ Point of Pride’s HRT Access Fund is a scholarship-like program that provides direct financial assistance to trans folks who cannot afford their gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy. The last day to apply is Sunday, June 30, 2024! 📣 P.S. – Please help us spread awareness by sharing this post with folks in your networks or community who might need help accessing healthcare!

💌 Yesterday, our team took some time to write letters of support to trans youth through the amazing organization, Point of Pride. It was such a meaningful, amazing experience for the whole team! 🏳️⚧️ We hope these letters bring a little extra positivity and encouragement to those who need it. Let's continue to stand together and support each other in every way possible. 💪✨ #DEIB #TransYouth #Inclusion #PrideMonth

In celebration of Pride Month, we invited Jeffrey Main, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Point of Pride, to talk about the creating safe spaces and to lead a letter writing activity to support and connect with trans folks across the country. Blinkers joined remotely and in-person at our studios! Want to learn more and write letters with us? ➡ https://lnkd.in/gcGSBdxC

🏳️⚧️ 2024 Electrolysis Access Fund: Recipients Announced! 🏳️⚧️ Together, 181 recipients have been awarded a total of $376,750 in financial assistance towards gender-affirming electrolysis and laser hair removal services. As of today’s announcement, 48% of recipients have already utilized at least part of their grant award—finally accessing the vital services they need to live more safely and authentically. Read recipient stories and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e62ghdWF

Today, Point of Pride is pleased to announce the seven newest members to our Advisory Board of Directors. These members volunteer their time, insights, and subject-matter expertise, helping to contribute to our organization's continuous improvement in how we serve our community. 🏳️⚧️ Blossom C. Brown – actress, producer and activist 🏳️⚧️ Lydia X. Z. Brown – writer, educator, attorney, and disability rights activist 🏳️⚧️ Jodie Patterson – activist, entrepreneur, writer, and author 🏳️⚧️ Erin Reed – journalist and advocate 🏳️⚧️ Rey Resendez – Two-Spirit activist and community organizer 🏳️⚧️ Brian Michael Smith – actor and advocate 🏳️⚧�� Eden Rose Torres – photographer, community organizer, and activist Read full bios and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjWGxqEJ