Archives: Stories

Briefing on HIV/AIDS & LGBT Issues in Ghana

The Wednesday, September 5, 2007 NYC Briefing at Astraea on HIV/AIDS & LGBT Issues in Ghana has been postponed due to problems with travel logistics.

Astraea thanks the Centre for Popular Education & Human Rights Ghana (CEPEHRG)–Ghana’s premiere sexual rights and HIV/AIDS organization–and hopes to reschedule the event this coming year.

We also thank our co-presenter of this event, American Jewish World Service, as well as the event co-sponsors: amfAR, The Audre Lorde Project, GRIOT Circle, House of Moshood, International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, and Liberation 4 All Africans

A briefing and fundraiser for
Centre for Popular Education & Human Rights Ghana (CEPEHRG): Ghana’s premiere sexual rights and HIV/AIDS organization

We welcome CEPEHRG leaders to NYC, as they launch a two week Advocacy and Study Tour. CEPEHRG, a grantee of American Jewish World Service and Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, will discuss their work on HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues in Ghana.

Postponed–Date to be determined
Astraea Offices 116 E. 16th St. (bet. Park & Irving) 7th floor
Take the 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q, L trains to Union Square.

Suggested contributions: $50 – $500 and all proceeds to benefit CEPEHRG directly.
Contributions of any amount are appreciated, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

RSVP to Lorraine Ramirez, 212.529.8021 ext. 22 or [email protected]

Event on LGBT Organizing in China

MAKING HISTORY: FIRST EVER LA LA* CAMP HAILED AS GREAT SUCCESS!

Come learn about exciting LGBT organizing efforts in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan! Meet New York participants from the very first La La (lesbian and bi women) Organizer Training Camp, who will share recent victories, highlights and challenges facing queer Chinese activists from a wide range of experiences and geographical regions.

Date: Thursday August 23, 2007
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Place: Astraea Offices 116 East 16th Street, 7th Floor 212.529.8021
N R 4 5 6 trains to Union Square

ABOUT LA LA CAMP: On July 13 , 2007, close to one hundred lesbians, bisexual women and trans activists from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States gathered together in the beautiful city of Zhuhai for the first ever multi-region Chinese La La Organizer Training Camp. The four day gathering included leadership trainings, networking and community building for participants from more than 20 cities/towns and from 40 different local LBT groups– some of whom traveled by train and bus for hundreds of miles. Attendees ranged from freshmen in college to long-time activists in their fifties and sixties.

This Training Camp brought together activists from different sectors of the queer movement in combining theory and practice. There was a focus on the intersections of social policy, human rights, international collaboration, gender theory and community building. The goal was to provide this new generation of Chinese-speaking activists a stepping stone with a full range of human and informational resources. Training courses included topics such as:

  • local movement history and recent experience
  • self-affirmation
  • family relationships
  • gender identity continuum
  • cultural activities and their social impact
  • working with media
  • law and public policy
  • models and strategies and their local/historical context
  • building communities
  • sustaining a local group
  • fund seeking and proposal writing
  • organizational development
  • network building and mobilization
  • sexuality

Training Camp participants were able to share local accomplishments and challenges and improve their understanding of the unique conditions of each area, bringing groups closer together.

The La La Camp hosting committee was diverse in terms of location and experience. The six groups included Astraea grantee partners: Beijing Common Language, Gender and Sexuality Rights of Taiwan, Women Coalition of HKSAR, as well as New York Institute for Tongzhi Studies, New York’s Q-wave and Lavender Phoenix in U.S.

The La La Camp idea originated at the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice Giving and Activism Retreat, in November of 2006. After the culmination of seven months of cross regional planning, the first annual La La Camp was a resounding success!

Questions or more information:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Astraea Deplores Murders of South African Lesbians & Endorses NYC Vigil

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice mourns the tragic and senseless deaths of Sizakele Sigasa and Salome Masooa, two lesbians found brutally murdered on July 7, 2007 in South Africa. We learned of this tragedy through a statement issued by the Joint Working Group.

Astraea sends our deep condolences to the family and friends of Sizakele and Salome. Their brutal and senseless murders reflect a climate of vitriolic hate, contempt, harassment and deadly violence experienced by lesbians in South Africa and around the world on a daily basis. Joining with activists the world over, we demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these ruthless crimes.

We applaud the Joint Working Group for its creation of the Campaign 07-07-07. The Campaign is an alliance of fifteen non-governmental organizations (several of which are current/past Astraea grantee partners) which aim to raise consciousness of South African leaders and local communities about the violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. We stand in solidarity with their August 9th Soweto protest-action highlighting the impact of hate violence against lesbians in South Africa.

As we at Astraea move forward, the brave lives of Sizakele and Salome will fuel our work. Their memory, and the memory of so many others lost to bigotry and violence, will ensure that we continue to fight for and attain a just and peaceful world for everyone.

Information on New York City Vigil: On Tuesday August 14, 2007 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, members of the US-based Liberation 4 all Africans committee will hold a vigil to protest the increasing rate of hate crimes against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) and HIV/AIDS activists in South Africa, and its prevalence throughout the continent. The protest will occur in front of South African Consulate, 333 E 38th St. (between first and second avenues).

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT.

Astraea Partners with Outfest to Present Vivere

Astraea Partners with Outfest to Present Vivere

Vivere
Germany , Netherlands, 2007, 97 min, video
In German, Dutch with English subtitles

Directed By: Angelina Maccarone
SCR: Angelina Maccarone

Acclaimed director Angelina Maccarone (UNVEILED, EVERY-THING WILL BE FINE) returns to Outfest with a clever, visually stunning film. On Christmas Eve, Francesca, a taxi cab driver, sets off for Rotterdam in search of her runaway teenage sister Antonietta. Along the way she picks up Gerlinde, a distraught but intriguing older woman whom she is attracted to. Twisting plots and mounting sexual tension gather in this fractured narrative about three lost souls in search of meaning and each other.

Wednesday, July 18th, 7pm
Purchase Tickets

Open Society Institute Features Joo-Hyun Kang at LGBT Global South and East Research Briefing

Open Society Institute Features Joo-Hyun Kang at LGBT Global South and East Research Briefing

The Open Society Institute’s Sexual Health and Rights Project (SHARP) & U.S. Programs Presents:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Funders Research Report Release

JOO-HYUN KANG
Director of Programs, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

ROBERT ESPINOZA
Director of Research and Communications, Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues

Thursday, June 21st
11:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch will be served
Open Society Institute, Conference Room 3AB – 3rd Floor
400 West 59th Street (btw 9th and 10th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
Please RSVP to Jill Wood [email protected]

Joo-Hyun Kang will share several recent cases which highlight both challenges and successes for promoting LGBT health and rights worldwide. Her work with the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has helped promote social, racial, and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally through fundraising and grant-making. Joo-Hyun will discuss achievements in challenging oppression and empowering LGBT persons to claim their human rights as well as how additional resources can help to further these efforts.

Prior to her work at Astraea, Joo-Hyun served as Executive Director of the Audre Lorde Project, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit and Transgender (LGBTST) center for people of color in New York City, which was established to provide support and advocate for the rights of LGBTST peoples of African/Black/Caribbean, Arab, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latina/o, and Native/Indigenous descent.

Robert Espinoza will present an overview of a first-ever report on the needs and resources related to LGBTI giving in the global South and East. The report was commissioned by Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) which remains the sole organization dedicated exclusively to increasing institutional giving to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities. FLGI’s mission is to seek equality and rights for LGBTQ individuals and communities by mobilizing philanthropic resources that advance racial, economic and gender justice.

Prior to working with FLGI, Robert researched and authored policy briefs on prisoner reentry for Family Justice; served as the Director of Communications for the Service Employees International Union Local 105; was part of the founding communications department for the Gill Foundation, the nation’s largest funder of LGBT issues; and was one of six panel members on the OUT Fund, an activist-advised, national grant making panel of the New York-based Funding Exchange.

GO NYC Magazine Names Astraea Development Director Wendy Sealey in “100 Women We Love”

While pursuing a teaching career and doctorate at Stanford, Sealey had a moment. Though she had studied at several prestigious East Coast schools, Sealey abruptly left academia realizing her skills and talents were best suited for non-profits.

Click here to read this article on gomag.com.

100 Women We Love
by Melody Wells, editor

Wendy Sealey
While pursuing a teaching career and doctorate at Stanford, Sealey had a moment. Though she had studied at several prestigious East Coast schools, Sealey abruptly left academia realizing her skills and talents were best suited for non-profits. The 37-year-old Staten Island-raised Harlem resident became the lifeblood of the Harlem Textile Works. When it lost funding, she set inner-city kids on a path to success as Director of Professional Advancement Opportunities at Prep for Prep. Now, as Director of Development for The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, she’’s expanding their donor base so more grants can be made. For Astraea’s 30th anniversary, Sealey will continue “cultivating the under-30 crowd” for its donor pool, ensuring a crop of young professionals to lead Astraea to its 60th year. She’s proud that Astraea “is often one of the first funders for many of our grantee organizations. We’re making a difference in people’s lives.” –MW

Summer Fever Fundraiser & Pool Party

Join us to learn about Astraea’s latest accomplishments and groundbreaking funding strategies. Discuss how lesbian philanthropy is impacting social change in Los Angeles and around the world. Enjoy the pool, DJ, performances, food and beverages.

Astraea’s “Summer Fever” Fundraiser

Presented by Maylei Blackwell, Meg Hickman, & Alice Y. Hom

Join us to learn about Astraea’s latest accomplishments and groundbreaking funding strategies. Discuss how lesbian philanthropy is impacting social change in Los Angeles and around the world. Enjoy the pool, DJ, performances, food and beverages.

Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
RSVP for Address [email protected]

Suggested contribution:
$50 ($25 students/retired/limited income)
All donations are tax-deductible.
Volunteer opportunities available: contact [email protected]
Please bring towels, swimwear, hats, and your contribution in the form of cash or check.

Performers

Doris Reed is a Los Angeles based poet and author of Tending My Garden (2004) as well as poetry music album Reflections (2004).

Born in Columbia, raised in Miami, residing in Eastside Longo, Califas, tatiana de la tierra is the author of For the Hard Ones: A Lesbian Phenomenology / Para las duras: Una fenomenologia lesbiana, Porcupine Love and Other tales from My Papaya and Pintame Una Mujer Peligrosa.

Adelina Anthony, a Xicana lesbian and multi-genre artista, currently resides in Los Angeles. Her MASTERING SEX & TORTILLAS! performance in 2006 was selected as an L.A. Weekly Theater Critics Pick of the Week.

The indelible, delicious and delectable Claudette Sexy DJ has been a DJ and cultural force in the LGBT community of Los Angeles for over 20 years.

Can’t make the fundraiser? Make an online contribution to the Astraea Foundation by donating now

Summer Fever Fundraiser & Pool Party

Join us to learn about Astraea’s latest accomplishments and groundbreaking funding strategies. Discuss how lesbian philanthropy is impacting social change in Los Angeles and around the world. Enjoy the pool, DJ, performances, food and beverages.

Presented by Maylei Blackwell, Meg Hickman, & Alice Y. Hom

Join us to learn about Astraea’s latest accomplishments and groundbreaking funding strategies. Discuss how lesbian philanthropy is impacting social change in Los Angeles and around the world. Enjoy the pool, DJ, performances, food and beverages.

Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
RSVP for Address [email protected]

Suggested contribution:
$50 ($25 students/retired/limited income)
All donations are tax-deductible.
Volunteer opportunities available: contact [email protected]
Please bring towels, swimwear, hats, and your contribution in the form of cash or check.

Performers

Doris Reed is a Los Angeles based poet and author of Tending My Garden (2004) as well as poetry music album Reflections (2004).

Born in Columbia, raised in Miami, residing in Eastside Longo, Califas, tatiana de la tierra is the author of For the Hard Ones: A Lesbian Phenomenology / Para las duras: Una fenomenologia lesbiana, Porcupine Love and Other tales from My Papaya and Pintame Una Mujer Peligrosa.

Adelina Anthony, a Xicana lesbian and multi-genre artista, currently resides in Los Angeles. Her MASTERING SEX & TORTILLAS! performance in 2006 was selected as an L.A. Weekly Theater Critics Pick of the Week.

The indelible, delicious and delectable Claudette Sexy DJ has been a DJ and cultural force in the LGBT community of Los Angeles for over 20 years.

Can’t make the fundraiser? Make an online contribution to the Astraea Foundation by donating now

Celebrate Pride with Astraea Staff

For thirty years, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has funded organizations that challenge oppression and support human rights around the world. Astraea Staff invite you to join them in celebrating another year of funding change and strengthening communities.


Staff House Party Organizers Shaheen Nazerali, Development Associate and Miles Goff, Executive Assistant

Celebrate Pride in Brooklyn

Missed the Party or want to relive it? View photo gallery.

For thirty years, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has funded organizations that challenge oppression and support human rights around the world.

Astraea Staff invite you to join them in celebrating another year of funding change and strengthening communities.

ANNUAL PRIDE CELEBRATION
Thursday, June 14th, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Home of Executive Director Katherine Acey
Brooklyn, NY
RSVP for Directions

Good eats, Good drinks, Good music, Good folks!
Suggested Contribution: $50 (more if you can, less if you can’t)

RSVP Shaheen Nazerali
(212) 529-8021 x14
[email protected]

Astraea Partners with NewFest to Present Outlaw: Fora da Lei

Astraea Partners with NewFest to Present Outlaw: Fora da Lei

Outlaw
Fora da Lei
Portugal, 2006, 84 min, Video
In Italian with English subtitles
US Premiere

Directed By: Leonor Areal

Lesbian couple Teresa and Lena made national news in Portugal when they applied to get married. Leonor Areal’s camera follows them, one amid scores of reporters’ cameras, as they deal with the denial of their petition, and, more significantly, with the negative fallout the publicity generates. Though seeking equal rights, in the process of being recognizable public figures, the two women and their daughters instead find themselves facing even greater discrimination in housing, work, and school.

Sunday, June 3rd, 3:45pm
Purchase Tickets