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In light of the recent surge in violence and threats against our community, the urgency for action has never been more palpable. Across 43 states, an unsettling wave of over 550 bills has been introduced, resulting in more than 80 laws being passed—double the previous year’s count. Incidents relating to sexual orientation reached 1,947 in 2022, a notable increase from 1,711 in 2021, while gender identity-related incidents rose to 469 from 353. AVP’s landmark LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces Protection Project National Needs Assessment found in that same year, more than 3 out of every five LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses experienced hate violence.
This period of increased violence is a stark contrast to the hard-won rights we have fought for over the past five decades.
The silver lining during these challenging times is the strong foundation that AVP has built over the last 50 years, both locally and nationally. Executive Director Bev Tillery, a thought leader and social justice advocate, has dedicated the last 8 years to elevating AVP’s work. While bittersweet, her decision to transition leadership presents us with a unique opportunity: to welcome a new leader armed with a new strategic vision and to increase our impact during this challenging time.
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A Special Campaign in support of AVP’s Leadership Transition
The Sustainable Leadership Fund has the ambitious goal of raising $1 million over the next three years. These funds will underwrite our executive transition process, empower the new leader to implement our strategic priorities, and establish a sustainable support base for AVP’s core work beyond the transition.
Your support of the Sustainable Leadership Fund is more vital than ever as we strive to implement the goal of our new strategic plan—to overcome institutional and organized hate threatening our communities’ safety.
With the future in mind, now is also the perfect moment to consider a planned gift to AVP through a bequest in your will or by making AVP a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.
Connect with our development team to discuss planned giving opportunities.
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Make a special gift or pledge, payable over three years, or consider becoming a monthly/sustainable donor.
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Join our Sustainable Leadership Fund Committee to increase visibility and funds for AVP by reaching out to your network—we’ll assist you every step of the way.
Together, we can create a safer city and nation for LGBTQ+ people.
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AVP’s New Strategic Priorities
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Leading national efforts to address threats to community safety through community education and training programs and legislative and media campaigns to change policies.
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Strengthening AVP’s local work in anti-violence activism via advocacy, organizing and direct support for survivors, by expanding legal services and our hotline, and building an activist rapid crisis response team.
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Increasing AVP’s recognition nationally and with its current stakeholders, better utilizing communications tools and staff and volunteers as ambassadors and spokespeople.
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Increasing AVP’s recognition nationally and with its current stakeholders, better utilizing communications tools and staff and volunteers as ambassadors and spokespeople.
We believe that a safer future is possible, but it is our duty to look out for one another and stand up for our most vulnerable.
If you have experienced hate violence, including IPV in an LGBTQ+ relationship, or witness hate violence, contact our 24/7 hotline at 212-714-1141 to report and get support.
We mourn the loss of Liara Kaylee Tsai, a 35 year-old trans woman killed in her home by her former partner in Minnesota.
Liara was loved by many and was just starting a her new life in Minneapolis when her life was senselessly taken. Creative and caring, Liara loved music and worked as a producer and DJ by night, while working as a Crisis Counselor by day, making an immense impact on her co-workers and community.
According to multiple trackers, Liara is at least the 25th trans person to be killed in 2024, a number that is likely higher due to the misgendering victims by authorities and/or by family of origin.
If you are experiencing violence, intimate partner or otherwise, contact our 24/7 hotline to report and for support at 212-714-1141 or online at avp.org/get-help
As we close out Non-Binary Awareness Week, today we celebrate International Non-Binary People`s Day!
According to a 2021 study by UCLA Law`s Williams Institute, 1.2 million LGBTQ people living in the U.S. identified as nonbinary. Additionally, a greater percentage of nonbinary LGBTQ adults are cisgender rather than transgender.
Being nonbinary is also not conditional to one`s sexual orientation, however, it`s important to note that the majority of nonbinary adults use "queer, bisexual, pansexual, or asexual" to describe their sexual orientation as opposed to more binary-connected language.
If a person identifies themselves as nonbinary, that is non-negotiable, period.
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday, July 10) for `Navigating Online Safety & Cybersecurity,` a free webinar designed for professionals and organizations facing online harassment and/or threats.
This workshop aims to provide participants with in-depth information regarding navigating digital security and safety, including how to identify and respond to online harassment, how to protect oneself from doxxing and identity theft, how to secure digital meeting spaces, and more.
`Navigating Online Safety & Cybersecurity` begins at 4:30PM on ZOOM.
Visit the link in bio to register.
FUSION 2024 was a success! Thank you to the amazing talent, generous sponsors, partners and most importantly, COMMUNITY, who attended and/or supported from afar.
Pride month may nearly be over but you can still support our work serving LGBTQ+ survivors of violence. Visit the link in bio to learn how your support makes a difference and to donate today!
FUSION, our annual Pride party and benefit is TONIGHT!
Join us at REBAR Chelsea from 6-9pm for our annual celebration featuring a performance by the illustrious Julie J (@juliej.nyc), the Liberty Girls NYC (@libertygirlsnyc), and music from DJ M Samurai all in support of the LGBTQ+ community and AVP`s critical work.
Tickets are still available and start at *$25!
Get your tickets at the link in bio.
avp.fyi/fusion
FUSION, our annual Pride party and benefit is only TWO DAYS away!
Join us at REBAR Chelsea on Wednesday, June 26th from 6-9pm for our annual celebration featuring drinks, drag, and a DJ all while supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Tickets are still available and start at *$25!
Get your tickets at the link below.
avp.fyi/fusion
FUSION is almost here and we are grateful to introduce The Liberty Girls!
The @LibertyGirlsNYC (Ariel, Karen & Melody) are an empowered, women-identifying roller skating group based in NYC. They chose AVP as one of the beneficiaries of their Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser last year, and we`re thrilled to welcome them as members of the Host Committee for Fusion!
The Liberty Girls’ mission is to build a supportive community for marginalized individuals to express their identities, foster connections, and champion inclusivity both on and off wheels.
They`re passionate about shattering stereotypes and advocating for social justice, mental health, women`s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Thank you, Liberty Girls, for your incredible support and dedication!
Join us on Wednesday, June 26th at ReBar Chelsea for a celebration of community all in support of AVP`s critical work.
Get your tickets today at the link in bio!
FUSION, our annual Pride party and benefit is only ONE WEEK away!
The celebration of community will take place at REBAR Chelsea on June 26th from 6-9pm and will have drinks, drag, and a DJ all while supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Tickets are still available and start at *$25!
Get your tickets at the link in bio.
Mischief Toys (@mischieftoys) has once again graciously pledged to donate the proceeds from their special 2024 Pride Gastley figure and pin to AVP in such a pivotal year for our community.
This VERY limited edition figure and matching pin releases TODAY(June 19th) at 12:00pm(EST), and is limited to just 385 of each.
Once again, we thank Mischief Toys for their continued support of AVP and the LGBTQ+ community!
See below for full product details and visit the link in bio to get your Pride 2024 Snazzy Daddy Gastley figure and pin while you still can!
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Product Information provided by Mischief Toys (@mischieftoys)
He`s snazzy.
He`s daddy.
He`s Snazzy Daddy Gastley!
Snazzy Daddy Gastley is dressed to impress and is ready to lead the pride parade! Limited to just 385 pieces and paired with a pin to match, this set is sure to brighten your day!
Mischief Toys, a designer toy company based out of Glen Burnie, Maryland, is proud to present their 2024 Pride Gastley figure! For two consecutive years, Mischief Toys has released a Gastley figure in support of the New York based Anti-Violence Project. This year`s pride Gastley has been nicknamed "Snazzy Daddy Gastley" due to his glamorous suit and bright, beautiful colors. Gastley stands at 4" tall and is packaged in a high quality colorful box to match his look and style. The figure comes bundled with a brand new "Snazzy Daddy Gastley" pin that measures approximately 1.7" tall and is perfect for your favorite pinboard, jacket, or any other display. The figure and pin are perfect for the collectors in your life and makes for the perfect gift this pride month. Get yours while supplies last at mischieftoys.com.
Release date/time:
Wednesday, 6.19.2024
12PM eastern
Figure:
LE 385
Material: Vinyl
Size: 4"
Pin:
LE 385
Material: Metal & Enamel
Size: 1.7" x 1.5"
We are grateful and excited to share that, for the second consecutive year, Mischief Toys (@mischieftoys) will be donating the proceeds from their special 2024 Pride Gastley figure to AVP!
This VERY limited edition figure and matching pin releases tomorrow, June 19th, and is limited to just 385 of each.
We thank Mischief Toys for their continued support of AVP and the LGBTQ+ community!
See below for full product details and visit the link in bio to get your Pride 2024 Snazzy Daddy Gastley figure and pin while you still can!
—
Product Information provided by Mischief Toys (@mischieftoys)
He`s snazzy.
He`s daddy.
He`s Snazzy Daddy Gastley!
Snazzy Daddy Gastley is dressed to impress and is ready to lead the pride parade! Limited to just 385 pieces and paired with a pin to match, this set is sure to brighten your day!
Mischief Toys, a designer toy company based out of Glen Burnie, Maryland, is proud to present their 2024 Pride Gastley figure! For two consecutive years, Mischief Toys has released a Gastley figure in support of the New York based Anti-Violence Project. This year`s pride Gastley has been nicknamed "Snazzy Daddy Gastley" due to his glamorous suit and bright, beautiful colors. Gastley stands at 4" tall and is packaged in a high quality colorful box to match his look and style. The figure comes bundled with a brand new "Snazzy Daddy Gastley" pin that measures approximately 1.7" tall and is perfect for your favorite pinboard, jacket, or any other display. The figure and pin are perfect for the collectors in your life and makes for the perfect gift this pride month. Get yours while supplies last at mischieftoys.com.
Release date/time:
Wednesday, 6.19.2024
12PM eastern
Figure:
LE 385
Material: Vinyl
Size: 4"
Pin:
LE 385
Material: Metal & Enamel
Size: 1.7" x 1.5"
www.mischieftoys.com
As we have unfortunately already seen violence ranging from vandalism of the Stonewall Monument to the `possible` release of a chemical agent at Baltimore Pride, as we in community already know, we are a target of hate groups, and we must be as prepared as we can to face these threats should they arise in our safe spaces.
To help LGBTQ+ event organizers, venues and more with this safety planning, we are hosting a free, virtual Safety Planning for Pride webinar TOMORROW, June 18th from 3:30-5pm on ZOOM.
Designed for professionals and organizations aiming to organize events for LGBTQ+ audiences, as well as for event venues and their staff, volunteers, managers, and producers who want to think through some of the opportunities and challenges of creating safety and accessibility in their space and at the types of events they typically host. Participants will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities aimed at building specific, intentional safety plans using upcoming events as an example, and will overall learn about best practices for safety planning and violence prevention.
To register, visit the link in bio.
#Pride2024 #PrideMonth
FUSION is less than TWO WEEKS away and we are thrilled to welcome back the dynamic and captivating Julie J (@juliej.nyc), as the special guest performer at this year`s event!
Based in the heart of New York City, Julie J is not just a performer, writer, and drag artist, but a force of nature on the stage. They`ve lit up esteemed venues across NYC, from the electric Ensemble Studio Theater and TADA Theater to Dixon Place, The Secret Theater, Hudson Guild Theater, and the Acorn Theater.
Julie J`s talent has also shone brightly internationally, enchanting audiences at Spazio ZUT!, La Mama Umbria, and the Prague Fringe Festival. Their performances are a vibrant fusion of drag artistry, dance, and experimental storytelling.
Come see Julie J on June 26th at ReBar Chelsea for an amazing evening of drag and a celebration of community all in support of AVP`s critical work.
Tickets are available at the link in bio
Community Alert: The Stonewall National Monument in the West Village Vandalized, according to NYC council member Erik Bottcher (@ebottcher) and reported by @Patch.
According to Patch, "In a statement via X (formerly Twitter), Council member Erik Bottcher provided details on the incident:
"Last night, bigots vandalized the Stonewall National Monument, snapping flag sticks & stealing 3/4 of the flags around the perimeter of the park. Also, someone burned Pride decorations at 22nd St. in Chelsea." "Anyone who thinks this will intimidate our community is badly mistaken," he added.
Source: patch.com
Community safety is important, particularly during Pride Month, and to help LGBTQ+ event organizers, venues and more, we are hosting a free, virtual Safety Planning for Pride webinar on June 18th from 3:30-5pm on ZOOM.
Designed for professionals and organizations aiming to organize events for LGBTQ+ audiences, as well as for event venues and their staff, volunteers, managers, and producers who want to think through some of the opportunities and challenges of creating safety and accessibility in their space and at the types of events they typically host. Participants will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities aimed at building specific, intentional safety plans using upcoming events as an example, and will overall learn about best practices for safety planning and violence prevention.
To register, visit the link in bio.
#Pride2024 #PrideMonth
Join us TOMORROW (Wednesday, June 12th) for a free, virtual Upstander & De-escalation Training from 4-5:30pm on ZOOM.
Designed for community members and professionals who want to be able to safely intervene when they see someone being harassed in public spaces or professional spaces. This workshop supports participants in assessing situations where harassment or hate violence appears to be a threat and includes opportunities to practice techniques to de-escalate situations while also considering their own and others’ identities and social dynamics.
To register, visit the link in bio.
FUSION, our annual Pride party and benefit is right around the corner!
The celebration of community will take place at REBAR Chelsea on Wednesday, June 26th from 6-9pm and will have drinks, drag, and a DJ all while supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Tickets start at $25*
Get your tickets at the link in bio.