/ˌīˈden(t)ədē/ noun the fact of being who or what a person is |
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To be who you are as you are. |
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Who are you? Have you ever been anything else? Do you ever wish you were someone else? Do you feel safe as you are? Do you feel understood or misunderstood? Who are you when no one is looking? Is it different? Do you think about your identity all the time or hardly ever? Is your identity decided for you, by the world around you, or have you been able to shape how you are identified? What are the things that hold you back or push you forward that are solely based on how the world identities you? We consider identity to be one of the basic needs: the ability to be who you are- without being harmed or harming others for being that way. Yet throughout history, this is not the lived experience for most people. For many, identity is a matter of survival: if you aren't able to be safe in your identity, every other basic need is compromised as well- from shelter to education to governance. Most of us have some inherited bias, ways of seeing and not seeing those around us, ways of placing value and judgement soley on how we identity someone else. Yet when that bias is baked into the brick and mortar of our economic and social foundations, the imbalance creates lasting harm for whole communities, and therefore all of us. Solutions won't be found solely by putting up posters on windows or embracing platitudes of Love Wins. Identity as a basic need at its core root is tied to the abolitionist work of liberation. That work exists in every sector and community. That is why we support the people and organizations making holes in what is to see what can be. And that is why this month we are especially proud to highlight... |
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Trans Women of Color Collective |
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Uplifting the narratives, leadership, and lived experiences of trans people of color, while building towards the collective liberation of all oppressed people. |
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TWOCC elevates those in communities who have had their voices stolen, usurped, commodified, silenced and exploited through cis gaze, colonization, anti-Blackness, imperialism and transphobia, seeking to shift the narrative of surviving to thriving.
TWOCC strives to build economic empowerment and global networks that connect rural communities with suburban enclaves, inner city youth with elders, donors with Black trans entrepreneurs, healers with those seeking to be whole and collaborators with agitators.
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Healing and Restorative Justice Initiative |
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TWOCC has hosted initiatives in over 40 states in the U.S. at colleges and universities as well as conferences and community gatherings, including writing clinics, cultural arts events, healing retreats, community teach-ins, advocacy workshops and direct actions. With global initiatives in Switzerland, London, Norway, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and East Africa, TWOCC facilitates cultural exchanges and anthropological studies to build a global platform for collective liberation. | | |
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Black Trans Health Initiative & Community Funds |
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Survival Fund- support for meals, carfare, hygiene products, bill pay assistance, a pair of shoes and so much more. Education Fund- supporting capacity building, community education and cultural competence. Wellness Fund- deep investment in healing and collective care, supporting leadership retreats, community events (which are free to trans people), dinners and gatherings. | | |
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All proceeds from the sale of Super Princess Saves the Night benefit the Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC). Click on the Image to Buy it. |
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Read Executive Director Dr. Lourdes Ashley Hunter's Article: I was asked, "What can we do to stop the murders of Black trans women?” I simply responded, stop killing us! Click on the image to read. |
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And If you haven't already, sign up for the Holes in the Wall Collective's CSA to support the Trans Women of Color Collective and 11 other organizations throughout the year, or donate to them directly. |
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Announcing our Remote Residency. Holding space for you in your own home for just three hours– this micro-residency is open to all disciplines and is free to participate. We’ll check in with you at the start and close of your time, and support you in whatever your practice is. Apply now on our website. |
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The movement of a million tiny teaspoons. We have launched our major campaign to secure a permanent space for Holes in the Wall Collective. We're collectively raising funds from as many people as possible. Teaspoon by Teaspoon. | | |
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Thank YOU as always for your support. Please stay healthy and safe and continue to support those around you however you can. | | |
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