RURAL QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Fund Reopened
For Immediate Release 7.29.2021
Contact:
Eva Westheimer
513-600-0580
eva@weareoutintheopen.org
Out in the Open: weareoutintheopen.org
RURAL QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Fund Reopened
Putting together the resources we collectively have to meet the needs we collectively have.
BRATTLEBORO-- Out in the Open is excited to announce the reopening of the Rural QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Fund. In 2020 the Fund distributed over $22,250 to rural QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ folks. The Fund distributes money to LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, +) folks, prioritizing applicants who are QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, people of color) living in rural northern New England where funds of this type are critically needed. Additional priority is given to those who live at the intersections of systematically oppressed experiences and identities.
“Mutual aid is a powerful way to be in solidarity with everyone in your community” HB Lozito, the Executive Director of Out in the Open explains. “There is space for all of us within mutual aid. Many folks both request support and give resources at the same time, which is really beautiful, true to real life, and necessary for being in this together.”
Eva Westheimer, the Organizing and Programs Director of Out in the Open, said, “We are reopening our rural QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Fund for the month of August 2021, and are committed to long-term mutual aid efforts in rural northern New England for our rural QTBIPOC/LGBTQ+ communities.”
“Something we love about mutual aid is that when we’re all better off, we’re all better off. It’s an immediate way to contribute to true community health and safety,” Lozito continues. “Requesting support from a Mutual Aid Fund right now is a great way to practice care for yourself, so you’re perhaps more available to support others as well. Self-care and community care come together in mutual aid and that’s what we’re doing here. Putting together the resources we collectively have to meet the needs we collectively have.”
The Pandemic has deeply affected all of us in nearly every aspect of our lives. And as with most things, those impacts can look different in our rural communities and small towns. Hospitals in rural areas have been closing at a rapid rate, there is limited public transportation, and we are seeing housing prices increase significantly and are feeling the crush of those with access to wealth fleeing more densely populated areas because Vermont (and other rural areas) have been positioning themselves as havens from this virus.
This can create even more challenges for those of us living in rural areas whose economies are heavily reliant on tourism dollars holding up our communities (which is so many of us). While we need the money coming in in the short-term, we’re being priced out of our communities and are increasingly likely to have less access to much-needed resources (like dentists, doctors, high-quality affordable childcare, housing, etc.) that are already in short supply during non-pandemic times.
We know rural LGBTQ+ folks in our community who are Black, brown and people of color are being more deeply affected by this virus on top of the other daily oppressions they were living with from pre-pandemic times, due to a centuries-long arc of systemic racism. Here in Vermont, BIPOC folks are about 6% of the overall population and currently make up 18% of COVID-19 cases. Systemic racism and white supremacy are the reason. And are also the reason why we are prioritizing QTBIPOC folks in receiving support from this Fund. We need to be together in this fight against fascism, racism, and wealth hoarding that contributed to this situation in the first place.
Join us in requesting support from this Fund if that is what you need. Join us in giving to the Fund if you are able. And of course, you can both ask for and give support at the same time.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for funds, or contribute, visit: weareoutintheopen.org/mutual-aid-fund.
*Individuals and organizations who we have taken inspiration and support from in creating the language and systems for this mutual aid fund: Ijeoma Oluo's efforts to support her community of fellow artists in Seattle, Amita Swadhin organizer of COVID-19 Relief Fund For LGBTQI+ BIPOC, SisTers PGH COVID-19 LGBTQIA Emergency Relief Fund, The Root Social Justice Center’s Mutual Aid Support Network, Migrant Justice, and Dr. tara jae and YouthSeen in Colorado’s efforts to support QTBIPOC folks.
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Out in the Open connects rural LGBTQ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, and power. Based in Brattleboro, Vermont, we work locally and regionally throughout northern New England. We envision a resilient community of communities that works toward the transformation of our economic, social, and political relationships. We are building a multi-issue social justice movement of rural LGBTQ people. More about us and our work at: weareoutintheopen.org