Giving Compass' Take:

• Borealis Philanthropy features three Black trans women activists who are at the forefront of philanthropy's fight for social justice in the United States.

• How critical is it for all of philanthropy to mirror the effort of Black trans women in fighting for systems-change? What can you do to ensure your giving supports organizations led by and serving members of marginalized communities? 

• Read about one way you can effectively help fund trans-led organizing.

At Borealis Philanthropy, we are invested in honoring the joyful legacy and powerful contributions of Black trans folks, particularly Black trans women, whose determination and innovation continue to shape the direction of many of our social justice movements today.

On September 10, 2020, we hosted a dynamic donor-learning event, Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free: Black Trans Leadership & Organizing for Catalytic Change, where we made space to soak up the wisdom of three Black trans women activists across generations.

Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free showcased the work of the legendary Miss Major Griffin-Gracy whose legacy of activism extends six decades and founder of the House of GG – Griffin-Gracy Educational Retreat and Historical Center, Toni-Michelle Williams, the executive director of Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative in Atlanta, and Bré Rivera, whose Black Trans Fund project is currently being incubated at the Groundswell Fund.

During the webinar, each of these trailblazing leaders shared invaluable insights on the realities of trans women today, how far they’ve come as a community, as well as the legacies they hope to impart on the world.

Organized by Borealis’ Fund for Trans Generations, led by Ryan Li Dahlstrom, the Black-Led Movement Fund, led by Julia Beatty, and the Transforming Movements Fund led by Dani Martinez, this event provided Borealis an opportunity to showcase the collective impact of our intersectional approach to grantmaking, and model for others the value of collaboration in philanthropy.

“There are real opportunities right now for transformation in our society, to have divestment from systems that tear our communities apart, and to invest in real community safety and resilience. The possibilities of this moment are thanks to the energy and vision of Black trans women, leaders and communities,” says the Transforming Movements Fund’s program director, Dani Martinez.

Read the full article about the impact of Black trans women with Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Toni-michelle Williams, and Bre Riverra at Borealis Philanthropy.