Redressing Injustice at its Roots

It's understood that the populations most affected by injustice—and most aware of its manifestations—are also the most adept at deriving solutions. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people of color affirm this notion. From urban centers to rural areas, across tribal lands and along the U.S.-Mexico border, in the Deep South and throughout the Pacific Northwest—and all over our nation—communities of color are crafting innovative efforts to produce sustainable change and reverse gross inequality. For LGBTQ people of color, the conditions of structural racism are exacerbated by attitudes and structures that treat people differently based on their sexualities and their gender identities and expressions. As evidence, a growing body of research continues to demonstrate this "heightened vulnerability "among LGBTQ people of color—to health risks, verbal and physical violence, and institutional discrimination. LGBTQ people of color also face institutional disregard, worsened by their marginalization as leaders in key decision-making bodies across sectors. Yet transformative change requires a fortuitous solidarity—and LGBTQ people of color and their organizations are aptly positioned across political, economic and cultural movements, a must for forging the types of powerful alliances that can move a progressive agenda. So where can funders help build political power from the grassroots and achieve racial, economic and gender justice? We search for answers.

	Featured Tools A visceral metaphor of structural inequality Philosopher Marilyn Frye proposes that broadening one’s lens to view the multiple bars of a birdcage can provide a more informed perspective—policies, practices, values and cultural representations work together over time to entrap communities. Watch a slideshow Case study: Racial inequities among LGBTQ youth of color How can funders understand the various aspects of “structural racism” on LGBTQ communities? What are the steps? Read an illustrative case study

		Funder Tools For Racial Equity
		Frameworks Glossary Population Snapshots Inequality Slideshow Case Study & 10 Steps Transgender Lens Assessment Diagrams Nonprofit Directory

"HIV is still an issue and yet there is almost no organization or funding that supports leadership development, community organizing or advocacy for Black gay men. What exists is funding for prevention interventions but not for social justice organizing and advocacy. This is inexcusable. "

"It is common and accepted to believe that we live in a society in which only two genders exist. As a result it is common and often acceptable to ridicule, make invisible, harass, discriminate and even murder communities that challenge this norm."

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LGBTQ Grantmakers 2008 Report Card on Racial Equity

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