$30,000 /2012, 2013
New York, New York
Krystal Portalatin, Co-Director
Website: www.fiercenyc.org
FIERCE seeks to address issues that affect LGBTQ youth of color between the ages of 13-24, primarily African American/Black, Caribbean American, and Latino youth who make up the majority of LGBTQ youth who hang out at the west Manhattan piers and experience discrimination from white residents and racial profiling by the police and park enforcement agents. LGBTQ youth of color are often overlooked as decision-makers and are often denied or provided very limited resources. They face multiple oppressions that contribute to the isolation, discrimination and violence they face. $30,000 renewal grants in 2012 and 2013 will enable FIERCE to continue its West Village NYC and national campaigns to create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ youth, research and documentation of LGBTQ issues and to develop the leadership and organizing skills of LGBTQ youth. enable FIERCE to continue its campaign to ensure that the West Village is a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ youth, to develop a new, shorter-term campaign, and to maintain its organizational strength.