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Based in New York, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is a public foundation committed to strengthening LGBTQI communities and movements. For 40 years, the organization has been the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI human rights around the globe.
Astraea is known for investing in artists and organizations, advocating and funding for those who need it the most, amplifying voices, and propelling leadership development.
Funds are raised for programs and initiatives led by and for diverse groups with a focus on lesbians and queer women, trans and gender non-conforming individuals, intersex people, and people of color.
The heart of the organization is rooted in their mission “to fuel local and global movements that shift power to LGBTQI people and organizations pursuing social justice and human rights.”
Here are just a few individuals that believe in the organization’s mission and work.
“Giving voice to marginalized communities is difficult and necessary work. Astraea’s path to pursuing social justice and human rights is one that I must join. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with this network of change agents who will undoubtedly fight until all people belong, no matter the circumstance.” –Rebecca D. Crouch-Pelham, President/CEO, Washington Tennis & Education Foundation
limay Ho (left) and Rebecca D. Crouch-Pelham (right) with Regional Development & Engagement O cer of Astraea Foundation Zakiya J. Lord (Photo by Beverlie Lord)
“I am so proud to be a board member for Astraea. Through long-term, intersectional funding, Astraea has been fueling the frontlines of LGBTQ organizing for over 40 years. I owe my ability to thrive as a queer person of color in this world to organizations like Astraea.” –limay Ho, Executive Director of Astraea Resource Generation
Ragner Naess (Photo by Beverlie Lord)
“I gratefully encourage Astraea’s ingenious networking across the world, finding and underwriting creative, social justice activist LGBTQI folks grounded in grass roots activism where seed money is very hard to raise. I celebrate lesbian women who combine creative personal life paths with real, enduring initiatives to overcome misogyny, homophobia, racism, and rigid gender norms.” –Ragner Naess, Trustee of Manhattan Country School
Aishah Shahidah Simmons (right) with Dr Kai M. Green (Photo by Beverlie Lord)
“Over 20 years ago the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice was the first foundation that supported an unknown unapologetically out, twenty-something Black feminist lesbian rape survivor making a feature length documentary film about sexual violence and healing in Black communities. Astraea’s institutional support legitimized both the filmmaker and the film, NO! The Rape Documentary, which became an internationally acclaimed, award- winning film that has transformed the lives of many survivors across the United States and internationally.” –Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Producer/Director, NO! The Rape Documentary
Tenicka Boyd
“I believe in the power of marginalized voicesto liberate and illuminate the world. I support Astraea as a donor because it embodies this work and lives out the values that women should not be marginalized in any corner of our world.” –Tenicka Boyd, National Director of the Leaders of Color Initiative at Democrats for Education Reform
Pidgeon Pagonis
“I’m an intersex person of color, activist, and college speaker, and Astraea is the life force behind my ability to put time and energy into the creative aspect of my work. Last year, Astraea funded the completion of my short documentary, The Son I Never Had, and this year, they are funding my vision to create a photo documentary series of intersex people of color.” –Pidgeon Pagonis, Co-founder of Intersex Justice Project
