Please support our efforts to create safe spaces and professional programs for South Coast LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies in 2023

Dear Friend:

2022 has been an extremely challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community. Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill set the tone for a hateful political climate in which state legislatures have been working to advance hundreds of bills that target transgender people, limit local protections, and allow the use of religion to discriminate. Bigots and homophobes, emboldened by individuals in positions of influence and power, have acted out violently, creating an atmosphere of fear that harkens back to the early days of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

Against this backdrop, The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network has worked hard with our community in 2022 to create safe spaces and professionally-managed programs for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. For those of you who aren't familiar with our organization, we are a volunteer-led nonprofit, and while we rely on grants and sponsors for the majority of our operating funds, we count on the generosity of individuals like you to help us grow. That's why we're asking you to make a 100% tax-deductible donation today (below).

Some of the accomplishments we were able to achieve this year with your input and encouragement include:

• The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network created specialized programs managed by licensed social workers to support the most vulnerable among us, including LGBTQ+ youth, older individuals, and transgender people.
• We re-launched Pride in a big way to welcome, entertain, and empower LGBTQ+ individuals in New Bedford and Taunton, with thousands showing up to celebrate our region's uniquely diverse culture.
• We engaged with LGBTQ+ parents and guardians everywhere, with the support of teachers and administrators in local-area schools.
• We produced a monkeypox symposium to draw attention to our community's unique healthcare needs.
• We began construction of a new South Coast LGBTQ+ Community Center in downtown New Bedford that will soon become a safe and nurturing space for the community.
• Just a few weeks ago, we created a public memorial for the 32 victims of transgender murder in the United States in 2022.

We have great plans for next year, but how much we can accomplish in 2023 depends in large part on how much you can donate to help us build a diverse and inclusive community we can all be proud of.

We realize economic uncertainty limits how much people can spend this year. And we know there are many other wonderful nonprofits worthy of your support. Our hope this holiday season is that you'll find a spot on your gift-giving list for The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network so that we can continue to provide and expand on the services the LGBTQ+ community needs in 2023.

Thank you so much!