By Khalila Early-Zald
Pain and hopelessness comes from not being accepted or seen as worthy. Too many times the system in the United States has excluded Black, Indigenous, Latinx, People of Color, women non-binary, and LGBTQ+ folks from the American agenda of freedom, acceptance, and access to getting ones needs met. We pray for a system and world that doesn’t kill our loved ones because of teachings that Black people are criminals. Praying for a world where trans people can get surgeries or change their name on their ID without being looked at differently or denied. Praying for a world where LGBTQ+ men and womxn can receive health care equally. Praying for a world that doesn’t see people as other, and instead sees everyone, accepts everyone, and a world where we can come together as a community in unity.
Here are some organizations in Nashville that focus on making Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+ people feel accepted and protected:
@mashup.nation – Mashup founded by Brian Marshall and Justin Lofton is a non profit that provides health care resources to LGBTQ+ men of color in Nashville as well as resources for health care professionals
@nashvillelaunchpad– Nashville Launch Pad provides street free sleep to youth from ages 18-24 specifically focusing on affirming LGBTQ+ youth
@blissandthetrashplants– Bliss and the Trash Plants is a community organization run by Bliss Cortez focusing on getting Queer, Trans, BIPOC folx needs met sustainably with the community through grocery/wellness kits and plants.
