FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keona Prude
keona@pridelink.org
864-655-5193
www.pridelink.org
ARIANA GRANDE TO MATCH UP TO $1.5MIL TO SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH
The Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund to raise money for Pride Link and other organizations
Greenville, SC – Pride Link, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the Upstate is one of the recipients for the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund organized by singer, songwriter, and actress Ariana Grande.
The fundraiser will deliver critical funds to organizations providing direct services to trans youth and advocating for the rights of trans youth in states currently targeted by anti-trans policies. Ariana has agreed to match up to $1.5 million in donations. If the goal is met, Pride Link could receive more than $100,000 to continue advocating and assisting trans people in the Upstate.
Right now, there are hundreds of bills pending in state legislatures across the United States that target trans youth and aim to curb their rights. The impact of fighting these anti-trans bills and policies is felt all year by trans people, their families and loved ones.
Pride Link has been serving the Upstate community since 2018, providing connections to resources and social support to the queer and trans community.
“Oftentimes, the T is silent in LGBTQ. We are dedicated to making sure the queer community, inclusive of trans and non-binary people feel safe and supported,” said Pride Link Communications & Outreach Coordinator of Pride Link Keona Prude.
Pride Link is one of 18 organizations to benefit from the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund. Once funds are raised, monies will be split evenly between the following organizations:
• Black Trans Advocacy Coalition: Addressing the inequities faced by the black transgender community.
• Equality Florida: Dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community.
• Gendernexus: Providing individual wellness, legal support, and advocacy for trans and nonbinary people across Indiana.
• House Of Tulip: Creating housing solutions and employment opportunities for the trans and gender nonconforming community in Louisiana.
• JASMYN: Supporting LGBTQ young people in Florida by providing critical health services.
• Lucie’s Place: Providing housing solutions for TLGBQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness in Arkansas.
• One Iowa: Protecting and advancing equality for LGBTQ Iowans through education and advocacy.
• Our Spot KC: A hub of resources that support LGBTQ+ individuals in Kansas.
• Pride Link: Improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ people in South Carolina.
• Southern Arizona Gender Alliance: Providing support, education, resources, and advocacy for Southern Arizona’s diverse community of trans and gender nonconforming individuals.
• Tennessee Equality Project: Providing educational and organizing programming to advance LGBTQ+ rights in Tennessee.
• The Knights & Orchids Society (TKO Society): Providing affirming STD/STI testing, reproductive care, trans-gender non-conforming care, and direct support assistance to the trans community in Alabama.
• Transformation Project Advocacy Network: Fighting the continued legislative attacks on transgender individuals in South Dakota.
• Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering (TAKE): Bringing crucial services and economic empowerment to trans women of color in Alabama.
• Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT): Furthering gender diverse equality in Texas through social, legislative, and corporate education.
• Transanta: Delivering gifts to trans youth in need, safely and anonymously, to show trans young people that they are loved and supported.
• Transsocial: Trans-led non-profit working to expand safe and affirming resources for the TLGBQ+ community – including name and gender marker assistance – in Florida.
• Zebra Coalition: Providing individualized services to LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, bullying, and isolation from their families to guide them to recovery and stability.
“This is a major campaign and Pride Link is honored to be recognized by Ariana and with the other organizations who are doing such good work in their respective communities,” said Prude.
To donate to this fundraiser, text PLEDGE to 707070 or visit https://www.pledge.to/protect-defend-trans-youth-fund.
For more information and ways to take action, head to trans-week.com.
Pride Link is a 501c3 nonprofit that strives to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in Upstate, South Carolina. Their programming includes health and wellness services, social support programs, and connection to resources.
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To schedule an interview contact Courtney Thomas at Courtney.thomas011@gmail.com. For more information on Pride Link go to pridelink.org.