We are grateful to so many sponsors, ticket buyers, donors, and their guests who helped make the JusticeAid Concert, An Evening with Kandace Springs, such a success. We loved seeing so many of you at the concert—a wonderful celebration of joy and justice for queer and trans youth. If you haven’t yet made a donation, the JusticeAid Board will match all gifts through the end of October, and 100% of your donation will be directed to SMYAL. Concert photos and wrap-up are forthcoming!

Thank you for joining with JusticeAid and SMYAL this year in our efforts to support LGBTQ youth and spotlight injustices for LGBTQ people.

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

  • SMYAL provides 100% cost-free mental health counseling services to LGBTQ youth in need of affirming therapy. The program is currently at full capacity. Your contribution will raise critical funds to hire additional therapists.
  • In September, SMYAL launched a Street Outreach program serving LGBTQ members of the Latinx/Latine community. The program connects youth to culturally appropriate, language-accessible resources including housing, legal support, and vital documents. SMYAL is already working with 29 Spanish-speaking youth. Your support will continue to fill gaps in services.

THERE’S ANOTHER WAY TO HELP…

Have you heard about the proposed educational policies introduced by Governor Youngkin’s Department of Education in Virginia that will essentially erase the identities of trans students? The Virginia legislature needs to hear from you. You don’t have to be a resident of Virginia to submit a public comment.

Read the bill entitled 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools, and submit a comment below.

Please share this email on social media with friends and colleagues who may be interested in joining us at our DC concert or NYC public forum. Thank you!

JusticeAid leverages the community-building power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. Each year we identify and raise funds for justice causes by hosting music, arts, and educational events. Since 2013 JusticeAid has granted more than 1.7 million dollars to nonprofits working to ensure access to justice for the disenfranchised and marginalized. Our grantee partners are fighting racist voter suppression and racist policing, working to end mass incarceration and inhumane immigration practices, ensuring access to legal services, and addressing the criminalization and hatred of others.