May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
I need to apologize. My life has been rather upside down over the past few weeks, and I’ve barely managed to keep afloat. So, it comes down to this… trying to prepare a blog post a mere hour before leaving for the airport for a conference. And I’m finding myself without an idea, a theme, any pithy words. Aside from a wish that this day wasn’t necessary. I wish that people didn’t feel the need to lash out, physically or verbally, against those who are different. I wish that one’s gender identity or sexuality wasn’t fodder for discrimination, ridicule, or hatred.
As I’ve done in the past, I’m going to make a donation to an organization that helps LGBTQ – fighting for rights or equality or helping them get through the tough times. I’ve got $150 earmarked for this – tell me where to spend it. I’ll choose three organizations that you mention in the comments & split the money. It’s not much, but it’s what I can spare at the moment.
For those of you who comment… I’ll choose a winner, who can choose anything off my backlist, or even the brand new book coming out May 26 (Voodoo ‘n’ Vice). You can choose an ebook or a signed copy of one of my print books.
KC, thanks so much for making the time to post even when your life got hectic. That’s real dedication, and as one of the organizers of the hop, I can tell you we definitely understand. I agree that it’ll be a brilliant day when things like this hop are truly no longer necessary. Looking forward to that day.
~~Cherie
Great posts& hop!
rockybatt@gmail.com
Not bad a job with limited time. Would love this day wasn’t necessary either.
How about the Ali Forney Center in New York City (http://www.aliforneycenter.org/), a safe space for homeless LGBTQ youth. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be homeless because their parents chose to kick out their own child for being who they are.
I’ll second Jen’s choice as I have no idea what organisations are available in the US.. and it sounds like a good choice
leetee2007@hotmail.com
I don’t know much organizations in your country to recommend you. Also, I suppose you can’t donate all the way to my country’s organizations. But I can tell you that there’s a number of organizations, websites I came across in this hop itself which seemed worth donating. You may donate to a few of them. I believe the participating blog who had hosted the news about that specific organization can help you in the matter too. That way it will be easier for you.
Again, not US based but I would suggest a split between either a local to you now centre or a Toronto centre and a national centre whose help is widespread
We have a fabulous organization in Dallas called Resource Center that is working hard to have a positive impact in so many areas – community, family, and individual – not just targeting teens but also adult & elderly members of the LGBTQ community. You can check out more here: http://www.rcdallas.org.
Thanks so much for all you do to make a difference!
Loved the post. Thank you for the giveawy.
marsh10@netzero.com
I really like the You Can Play Project, which helps eliminate homophobia in team sports. (You probably know the story of Brendan Burke already, but if not, have tissues handy…)
The Ali Forney Center is a great charity. I’d also like to mention the TransYouth Family Allies organization, which offers support for families with transgendered children.
Thanks for the post and the giveaway, but most importantly, thanks for supporting any of the organizations that get mentioned. All help in their own way and every little nit can make a difference.
Matthew Shepard Foundation and The Trevor Project are both great organizations. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and for making these donations.
lkbherring64(at)gmail(dot)com
Maybe to those who help youth that are homeless
Loved the post. Thank you for the giveaway.
I also love Dallas’s Resource Center, as well as The Trevor Project. Thanks for doing this, proves me wise to be your fan!
Thanks for being The Trevor Project is one that i’ve heard great things about.
raynman1979(at)yahoo(dot)com
I completely agree with you – I wish the day wasn’t necessary either. From everything I’ve heard, The Trevor Project is a great charity. Thanks for putting together a post even with life getting hectic. amaquilante(at)gmail(dot)com
The Trevor Project and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are great organizations. Thank you for taking part in the hop and making usch a generous contribution.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Nice of you to share and participate
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thanks for posting your message KC. I like anything related to suicide prevention because not everyone has an incredible support system like mine. As cheesy as it sounds, the quote from Mars Attacks is true “Why can’t we all just get along?” It takes a lot of energy to hate, energy that can be used for so many better things in life.
I agree. I hope that this day will become unnecessary very soon. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Thanks for participating, KC. lena.grey.iam@gmail.com
The Trevor Project.
penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks for your post Kc!! hope we don’t need this Hop next year
thanks for the giveaway too
cvale1@virgilio.it
Great post and wonderful donations. Maybe in the near future we won’t have to do this but every little bit helps.
ShirleyAnn(at)speakman40(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk
Thank you for participating and I would choose The Trevor Project!
OceanAkers @ aol.com
Thanks for taking part in the hop!
kimberlyFDR@yahoo.com
What a generous gesture. I wouldn’t know where to direct your donation but I salute you for your generosity. Thanks for the giveaway and I hope your life is a little less hectic now!
The Trevor Project! Thank you for the chance to enter! wendynjason04@gmail.com
The Trevor Project. I enjoyed your post. Thanks for being part of the hop.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
Thank you all so much for stopping by. I really appreciate it. I chose three charities (see the winner’s post – https://kcburn.com/2014/05/winner-hop-against-homophobia-and-transphobia/) and my winner was Suze. Suze – I’ll email you!