Last Chance to Support QEJ in 2009!
Dear QEJ Supporter,
We know that April 15th seems like a long way off. But your 2009 deductions end tomorrow night! It’s not too late to make a tax deductible gift to QEJ — one that will fuel our social justice work in 2010. We’ve made major advances this year in our campaign work locally and in raising the visibility of economic justice issues for queers nationally. There is much more work to do to ensure that working class, poor and low-income LGBT people receive justice in our society, but we’re hoping to continue to organize, and to make our communities visible in the LGBT movement, and in broader progressive movements across the country.
QEJ has always taken difficult and principled stances on issues that are sometimes unpopular with some elements of the LGBT community. Members of our board and staff have sometimes come under harsh criticism from bloggers or movement leaders for being divisive, reverse racists, complainers who aren’t realistic or practical in our idea of social change. We organize on the issues that are important to our base–that’s our queer agenda.
That is why we coordinate support groups for queer and trans people in the shelter system. That is why we organize queer and trans people on welfare to advocate for better welfare policies that expand access for trans and gender nonconforming people. That is why we organized a national mobilization of LGBT organizations to push for the inclusion of the public option in federal health care reform. Your donations help us continue to work on the issues that prioritize the lives of queer people at the margins of our movement.
Though we’re being told that we’re pulling out of the recession in 2010, we know that poor and working class queer people will still be unemployed and discriminated against at the welfare office, working in jobs with low wages, no health care for themselves or their families, and unable to take sick days without fear of being fired. After the economy recovers, our work will not be complete.
Won’t you make an end-of year donation to support true economic justice?
All of us at QEJ thank you for the support you’ve shown us over the years, and we wish you and yours a Happy New Year!
In struggle,
Kenyon Farrow
Support a New Queer Agenda in 2010
Dear Friend,
You and I both know that the economic crisis is not getting better for many low-income and working class people–including queer and transgender folks–any time soon. Queers for Economic Justice is the leading LGBTQ organization working to address the economy’s impact on our communities. We need your continued support to ensure QEJ’s critical work. So far, we’ve raised about $3,000 from people who believe in QEJ’s vision of economic justice. If you’ve given to QEJ already, THANK YOU! If not, please help us reach our $10,000 fundraising goal by December 31.
At this critical time, we ask that you consider making a tax-deductible gift of $100 to make QEJ’s vision a reality. Gifts of any size are appreciated and go a long way to ensure QEJ’s cutting-edge work. Or become a QEJ monthly sustainer by giving $10, $25, or $50 a month to be charged to your debit or credit card. Small gifts overtime add up to make a big difference for economic justice! Thank you for considering QEJ.
With your support, here’s what you can expect from QEJ in 2010:
• A new focus on the economic crisis and its impact on LGBT communities with a spring institute on LGBTQ people and the economic crisis, monthly political education teleconferences and a series of fact sheets on queers and the economy–all to put forth our communities’ needs.
• The national release of QEJ’s groundbreaking report and educational documentary about low-income queer and trans people in NYC detailing research findings on the lesser known experiences of these communities. These tools will be used to educate allied communities and policy makers.
• A campaign to end violence against LGBTQ People in NYC homeless shelters. We’ll be drawing on our six years of experience organizing shelter residents to tackle the increasing violence homeless queer and trans people face by creating a resource guide and offering trainings to shelter staff.
As the new Executive Director of QEJ, I am thrilled to be working alongside my colleagues, Jay Toole and Reina Gossett to make next year an even bigger year for QEJ’s work. But we cannot do so without your generosity. Please join us in our efforts by making your gift today.
Remember, when you give to QEJ, you are making a commitment to justice for all queers, despite their income, race, ability, legal status, or gender identity. On behalf of QEJ’s staff, board, and constituents, thank you for your consideration.
Towards a more just world in 2010,
Kenyon Farrow
Executive Director