Campaign for Southern Equality

It's Intersex Awareness Day! The "I" in LGBTQIA is for intersex people, born with bodies that don’t fit neatly into male or female boxes. Be an ally and amplify intersex voices! Learn more about intersex people and Intersex Awareness Day by following our friends at @interact.bsky.social

🗳️ Youth deserve a voice before they’re old enough to vote! Queer the Ballot is giving young people tools to turn their concerns into action. Shoutout to youth leaders Alex Howard in NC and Christopher Grady in VA! Read more: buff.ly/w9tRg1X

In five states this fall, proposals attacking transgender young people are on the ballot. Mickey Lopez – the father of a daughter who is trans – speaks out, urging voters to search their hearts and reject these attacks. Read more: buff.ly/CTYwEZW

Calling all parents of trans youth! Join our Parent & Cargiver Support Group this Sunday for a conversation with Ignacio Hutía Xeiti Rivera, M.A. (they/elle), founder of Heal Sweet Home. Register for the support group at: buff.ly/m3gvPMR

We can’t wait to see you at the Lavender South Volume I launch party in Nashville on November 5th– featuring a live musical performance from Tornsey. RSVP: buff.ly/Y72UNw1

Today, the Supreme Court rejected a policy restricting gender-affirming care for transgender people incarcerated in federal prisons. We will continue working towards a world where ALL trans people have access to the healthcare they need. Read more at: buff.ly/EHbmBR5

A new federal rule blocks Medicaid and CHIP from covering gender-affirming care for trans youth. Many states have stepped up to bridge the funding – but not VA. Gov. Spanberger – do the right thing and protect access to gender-affirming care. Read more: buff.ly/kmIfnPp

After Sammi was crowned Fairfield High’s Homecoming Queen, she faced hateful comments simply for being trans. But her classmates and teachers rallied around her, showing her just how loved and supported she is. Read more: buff.ly/ebyeXsz

NEW: We just launched an LGBTQ+ Wellness grant for South Carolinians! These grants are available to individuals, mutual aid groups, grassroots organizations, nonprofits, & community collectives who are supporting LGBTQ+ people in SC. Apply now for a grant of up to $500: buff.ly/CXDBKbj

Calling all volunteers! Looking for ways to get involved this election year? Reach out to voters in states where anti-trans measures are on the ballot! Sign up for a virtual phonebank or text bank with @transequality.bsky.social to call voters and advocate for trans youth. buff.ly/mhbmSwc

Our Asheville launch party for the Lavender South Anthology is tomorrow night at DayTrip from 6-8pm! It will feature poetry and essay readings from Lavender South authors and live musical performances. Get your free ticket at the link: buff.ly/xuh1Uod

As attacks on LGBTQ+ communities rise, it can be hard to see a path forward. Hope persists, and people across the South are fighting for change 🏳️‍🌈 Read more about these pockets of hope: buff.ly/XHaRlwl

The Lavender South is art, poetry, and essays by and for queer Southerners. Order your copy today at the link! Or– attend one of our launch parties in Asheville and Nashville and pick up your copy in person. buff.ly/TWbrrVX

Hurricane Isaias made landfall last night as a Category 2 Hurricane, and has now been weakened to a post-tropical storm. We are sending love and support to those impacted by the storm and power outages. We encourage those across the Southeast to keep an eye on local weather reports and be prepared.

The Lavender South is art, poetry, and essays by and for queer Southerners. Order your copy today at the link! Or– attend one of our launch parties in Asheville and Nashville and pick up your copy in person. buff.ly/TWbrrVX

Special delivery for LGBTQ+ youth! We send out hundreds of care packages every year to give LGBTQ+ young people a reminder that they are loved and supported no matter what. Thank you to every individual and small business who donated to make these care packages extra special this year!

5 states have anti-trans ballot measures on the ballot this year, and this is only a test for a nationwide push in 2028. AZ, CO, MO, NE, and WA are all asking voters to roll back protections for trans people and invite more discrimination into state laws. Read more: buff.ly/KsP1R9b

When the unthinkable happens, our community’s greatest strength is our ability to pull together and support one another. The incident at Little River spurred a generation of activism in NC and we continue to work in their legacy today. Read the full story: buff.ly/LdM0jaU

We are excited to announce that the first ever print edition of The Lavender South will be released this October! Pick up your copy in person at our Asheville launch party featuring music from our friend Leeda Lyric Jones. Get your free ticket at the link: buff.ly/An1xY8E

🏳️‍🌈 A TN library director is suing after being fired for refusing to move 100+ children’s books, many featuring LGBTQ+ content, out of the children’s section. Everyone deserves access to books that reflect our communities. We stand with Luanne James. Read more: buff.ly/vglPy1R

We are hiring! Go to the link to learn more about the role and for intructions for how to apply. buff.ly/GPphW4s

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ students at Texas A&M are asking the Fifth Circuit to block policies banning drag shows on campus. Drag is art, and LGBTQ+ students deserve the freedom to gather, create & express themselves. Read more: buff.ly/7eDedKy

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Blue Ridge Pride this weekend! Photo Credit Emma Taylor McCallum for The Echo (slides 3-6)

Glisten's National School Climate Survey is a national survey about LGBTQIA2S+ students’ experiences in school. If you’re eligible, take the survey here: glisten.org/nscs27

We can’t wait to see you at the Lavender South launch party in Asheville on October 15th! Join us at Daytrip from 6-8pm and see a live musical performance from singer-songwriter Brennan Page. RSVP to the free, 21+ event: buff.ly/zEtpqbq

For trans immigrants in ICE custody, seeking safety in the US can become more complicated and cause more fear and trauma. Read this Marshall Project investigation that details stories of harassment, violence, isolation, and disrupted medical care ⬇️ buff.ly/PBqjarP

We are excited to announce that the first ever print edition of The Lavender South will be released this October! Pick up your copy in person at our Nashville launch party. Get your free ticket at: buff.ly/2esePF1

We are excited to announce that the first ever print edition of The Lavender South will be released this October! Pick up your copy in person at our Asheville launch party. Get your free ticket at: buff.ly/zEtpqbq

We are excited to announce that the first ever print edition of The Lavender South will be released this October! Order your copy today at the link below, or attend one of our launch parties in Asheville and Nashville and pick up your copy in person. buff.ly/EP0jneN

For many LGBTQ+ older adults, aging can come with isolation and a need for spaces where they feel safe, seen, and supported. Village Hearth in Durham, NC was built by a couple dreaming of creating a community that isn’t just LGBTQ+ friendly, but focused. Read more: buff.ly/V9VWwao

A VA school board has reversed its ban on extracurricular clubs following a lawsuit brought on behalf of students seeking to form a GSA. Students should never have had to go to court to have the opportunity to form a school club and build community. Read more: buff.ly/QVKA1rN

Parents & caregivers of trans youth: you're invited to join our virtual support group, focused on supporting those who are navigating youth gender-affirming care bans. Our dates are set through November, and we would love for you to join us. Learn more and register: buff.ly/tABneCq