We have been rocked by the recent violence against Black people across the country. Unfortunately, we know that these events are the result of centuries of deeply rooted, anti-Black racism. And while racist violence in our country began long before Donald Trump, the president continues to stoke racist sentiment and embolden white supremacists.

At our core, Equality California is an LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We strive for a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for LGBTQ+ people AND the diverse communities to which we belong. What we have witnessed with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many others is simple: a heinous attack on the lives and civil rights of Black Americans.

Equality California believes that being an anti-racist and an ally is a lifelong, active responsibility, and this email should be the first of many conversations to come. Many of us are wondering what we can do to support our Black friends, neighbors and loved ones as well as those hurting in Minneapolis, Louisville and across the country. Below are a few resources our team has compiled. This is by no means an exhaustive list. 

• Read and engage with anti-racism literature and articles. A list of resources has been compiled by FightForBreonna.org HERE >>
• Donate to groups/funds which are on the front lines of the ongoing protests, including Minnesota Freedom Fund, Reclaim the Block (Minneapolis), I Run With Maud, Justice for Breonna Taylor Petition and Fund and National Bail Out.
• Donate to Black-led, LGBTQ+ organizations, including TGI Justice Project, National Black Justice Coalition and Center for Black Equality.
• Vote for pro-equality candidates, Black candidates and candidates of color, up and down the ballot. Check out our Election Center to see a full list of our endorsed candidates >>

We must do better. Black lives matter.

Equality California joined over 110 LGBTQ+ organizations in affirming our commitment to anti-racism and ending white supremacy. Both MUST be front-and-center if we want to achieve full, lived equality for LGBTQ+ people. Read our full letter here >>

— Rick Chavez Zbur, Executive Director Equality California