Over the course of the last few months, GLITS Inc.— a NYC-based non-profit— has been housing five people in an apartment in Manhattan. However, we have been presented with the opportunity to sign a one-year lease on the apartment, providing much needed security and housing stability for five Black trans members of our community, all of whom were recently released from Rikers amidst the COVID pandemic and systemic racism that still plagues our communities.
We believe in the livelihood of Black trans people and the importance of thriving, not just surviving!
We want Black trans folks to live a life filled with opportunities of joy that many of us take for granted when our existence is not defined by perseverance. This is what GLITS Inc. wants to provide for trans folk through this lease. We see this as a deep revolutionary obligation to all those who believe in joy and liberation. This lease will allow Black trans folk to focus on other long term goals like education and mental health, as well as an overall feeling of support and stability during this unsettling time.
Budget Breakdown: We need your help to raise a total of $1,000,000 by June 30th in order to make this a reality. Through the generosity of folks in our networks, we have already raised the $200,000 needed to put a deposit down on the first apartment and second apartment leases which are housing and providing essential resources to 7 Black trans people. The next 625,000 we raise will go towards buying 2 apartment buildings, which will act as a hub to support Black trans livelihood. The last 175k will go towards making these buildings livable, new hires for GLITS, and finalizing plans for Ceyenne’s visionary Rikers release team.
This effort is led by Black trans folk giving back to their community and prioritizing the safety of Black trans women.
With love and solidarity <3
GLITS Inc.
https://www.glitsinc.org