Dear Friends,
We are immensely pained by the recent senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey, Nina Pop, Tony McDade, and Breonna Taylor. These acts of police brutality against Black folks land deeply for us as many of us see ourselves and our loved ones reflected in these tragedies. The systemic racism and transphobia that led to this loss of life and the vicious beating of Iyanna Dior is unacceptable injustice.
History shows us that systemic change starts with every individual who refuses to be idly silent.
The Black Lives Matter movement was started by Black queer women. Stonewall was a riot started by Trans women of color. These agents of change also reflect us. The Attic Youth Center proudly stands by the Black Lives Matter movement and will be relentless in our dedication to social justice. We will listen, knowing that change comes from community. We know that our community is fierce, and wise, and powerful. We will take action, where injustice persists.
Even during this time of social distancing, we remain committed to demanding change in our communities and empowering LGBTQ youth. All of our services have transitioned online. We will continue to provide a brave space for LGBTQ young people, knowing that honoring the beauty of young queer POCs is an act of resistance. We will continue to provide community training and education that builds allyship and awareness in our community. We will continue to hold therapeutic space for the collective trauma being experienced as a result of these acts of violence.
Black LGBTQ young people should be able to live their lives free of violence and oppression everywhere. We stand in full support of community members during this time.
Black Trans Lives Matter
Black Queer Lives Matter
Black Lesbian Lives Matter
Black Gay Lives Matter
Black Bisexual Lives Matter
Black Disabled Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter
In Solidarity,
Shawnese Givens, LMFT
Acting Executive Director
The Attic Youth Center
