In recent years, acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities has flourished—with the U.S. sanctioning marriage equality, trans representation in media growing, and visibility paving the way for barriers to be broken. However, that success doesn’t tell the whole story: Nearly half of American states still don’t prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including in employment—reflective of the systemic wrongs that have led to persistent risks for LGBTQIA+ people, who are nine times more likely than others to be violently victimized. Meanwhile, research has found that nearly half of youth in the community have considered suicide in the past year, a disparity even more starkly impacting trans adolescents. The community has certainly celebrated some wins—but there is much work to be done.
And that’s what Be the Transformational Change Fund wants to contribute to.
This brand-new venture will tackle the systemic challenges preventing LGBTQIA+ people from reaching their full potential with tailored programming to meet the individual needs in the community, alongside efforts to advance visibility and empowerment. How are we setting out to achieve these goals?
BTTC is a true community initiative—we are tapping into the best and brightest minds around the country to share their time and expertise. As career coaches, mentors, resume writers, program designers, and more, they will work one-on-one with LGBTQIA+ individuals to help them define and advance both their professional and personal pathways. (If you have knowledge to share or know someone who would like to be a part of this innovative program, click here.) Our community of experts will be here to help you reach and surpass your goals.
This practical, hands-on programming is designed to be a tailored resource for individual LGBTQIA+ community members whose successes can fuel the wider advancement of the community. That’s the same mindset behind BTTC’s launch of the Miss International Queen-USA™, the American arm of the global transgender pageant that promotes acceptance and highlights the amazing contributions of trans leaders from around the world.
MIQ-USA™ and BTTC are built around one simple concept: We’re all in this together.
The barriers LGBTQIA+ individuals face in employment, housing, and even basic security don’t just affect those in the community—they make our society a less just, less equal, and less safe place to live, which needs to be a cause for concern for all. So, it’s time to put allyship into action.
We are excited to stand up and tell the LGBTQIA+ community that we are here for them; we will help them bring their personal and professional goals to fruition—and we will do it all together.
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