Paving Pathways for Democracy Funding: Engaging in Deep Connection to Reduce Anti-Transgender Bias

Paving Pathways for Democracy Funding

The SCG Public Policy Team is excited to present the launch of our new programming series, Paving Pathways for Democracy Funding. This series is aimed at everyone from funders that consider themselves democracy funders to those who have never thought democracy could be a part of their portfolio. The systemic issues that foundations aim to remedy all play a part in undermining democracy in California and across the country; in order to protect the communities we serve and create a diverse and representative government, we need to expand philanthropy’s definition of democracy funding. Each of the four sessions will explore a different avenue for funders to engage with democracy, beyond what typically comes to mind.

Engaging in Deep Connection to Reduce Anti-Transgender Bias

Over the last several years, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and a wave of legislation across the country targeting trans and gender non-binary individuals' ability to live openly and freely. This hostility has reached local school boards, with groups using 'parental rights' as a pretext to push anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Today, we continue to see countless bills emerge designed to ban inclusive literature, enforce harmful outing practices, and prevent trans youth from participating in sports according to their identity.

Community leaders and funders must come together to help combat political prejudice and foster a culture of acceptance. One strategy to increase societal inclusivity is to build relationships with individuals in our local communities. This event will highlight the Los Angeles LGBT Center's deep canvassing initiative, which trains volunteer leaders to engage with infrequent voters to educate them on issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community and increase their civic participation. Our speakers will share the potential of deep canvassing to change hearts and minds, discuss the importance of investing in community engagement during and outside of election years, and highlight more avenues for funders to engage in LGBTQ+ advocacy. This event will be hosted in-person at the LA LGBT Center with lunch provided. There will also be a virtual option for participants who cannot attend in-person. 

About the LA LGBT Center

Los Angeles LGBT Center fosters honest connections through profound conversations grounded in radical love and kinship. Through deep canvassing, volunteer leaders are supported in civic engagement with infrequent progressive voters to change hearts and minds in voting and public education regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Deep investment in a community prior to an election year is crucial for long-term prejudice reduction and participation in our democratic process. Investment includes: time spent getting to know members within community (whether they are eligible to vote or not), building relationship and trust, organizing volunteers from within community, empowering outside volunteers to learn about the community they enter, and facilitating a safe volunteer space for individuals of all backgrounds–race, gender, age, ability, socioeconomic status etc.—to feel welcome, prepared, confident and inspired to do the hard work of changing hearts and minds. Looking toward the 2024 general election, the Center recognizes that heightened tension requires making safety a centerpiece in this work given our volunteers’ identities and lived experiences. Resources will be needed to continue implementing deep canvassing models across Southern California, especially in Los Angeles County. As a growing sentiment of extremism and white nationalism permeates our county boundaries, it will be more important than ever to engage voters to act from a place of love.