$30,000 / 2010, 2011
147 West 24th Street, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10011
Krystal Portalatin, Co-Director
Website: www.fiercenyc.org
Founded in 2000, FIERCE is a membership-based organization that builds the leadership and power of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth of color in NYC. It seeks to develop politically conscious leaders who are invested in improving themselves and their communities through youth-led campaigns, leadership development programs and cultural expression through arts and media. The organization primarily focuses on: prevention of displacement of LGBTQ youth of color in historically safe spaces in the West Village amidst the rapid redevelopment in the neighborhood and ensuring that the needs of these youth are part of the redeveloped Christopher Street Pier. Hazen’s $30,000 core grants in 2010 and 2011 will 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.