One day prior to International Trans Day of Visibility, Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 142, which although touted as a “compromise” to the anti-trans House Bill 2, still fails to protect trans and gender non-conforming citizens. It actively barrs cities from creating their own non-discrimination ordinances, whether it be for public bathrooms, schools, or the workplace. Read the (short) bill here.
YOI in March: SVA All-Member Gathering
A few members of staff represented YOI at the first annual Southern Vision Alliance (SVA) All-Member Gathering at Haw River State Park! SVA supports 16 member organizations, including YOI, Ignite NC, and Muslims for Social Justice. We were able to learn from some of these amazing organizers doing necessary work across the state and think about ways we can plug in, as well. #LessEgoMoreImpact.
“SVA is committed to building the capacity and power of youth-led and youth-centered organizations and movements knowing that often, young people are not given the space and resources to facilitate change.”
Upcoming Community Events
April 2nd, 2017. Durham Solidarity Center Open House & 7th Anniversary! “Come out for the Durham Solidarity Center’s 7th anniversary celebration and open house at our new space on April 2! We’ll have a DJ, food, art, and more – plus the chance to meet and learn about the work that many local organizations are doing in our community.” 2:00pm at the Durham Solidarity Center. Find more information here.
April 4th, 2017. Pack the Courthouse for Rahrah! “RahRah is facing 12 years in prison for being a Black Trans Womxn! we must show up for our sister.let’s PACK the courthouse to show these pigs that the entire community supports RahRah and will fight for her freedom.“ 1:30pm at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse! Find more information here.
April 7th, 2017. First Friday Potluck & Game Night. “Join us for the first of many First Friday Potluck & Game Nights at the NEW Durham Solidarity Center! We’ve got lots of games, including co-operative and kids games, but feel free to bring more! If you can, please bring a dish to share. BYOB.“ 6:00pm at the Durham Solidarity Center. Find more information here.
April 7th, 2017. Blackspace Presents: The GRAND Slam Finals! “It’s here! Durham’s youth slam season ends on April 7th with the creation of the FIRST slam team out of the Bull City to apply to Brave New Voices! All of our slams throughout the season have doubled as fundraisers to get to Brave New Voices in the Bay Area, California. This one is no different. Instead of passing the hat, we’re selling tickets. Every single ticket sold will go to the transportation, lodging and meals to the team members (and their coaches).” 7:00pm at Hayti Heritage Center. Find more information here.
April 10th, 2017. Polyphony: a poetry reading by Destiny Hemphill. “Join local poet Destiny Hemphill in celebrating her admission to Callaloo’s Writing Workshop in Barbados! She will be reading from newer works as well as from her retrospective chapbook polyphony, which will be available as a gift with purchase of a ticket. To purchase, click on the link at the Beyu Caffe website. “ 6:30pm at Beyu Cafe. Find more information here.
April 14th, 2017. Movies N’ Cornbread. “This month at BLACKSPACE CHAPEL HILL, (179 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC) we’re watching The Wiz. As you know, in the original Wizard of Oz there are no Black actors and actresses whatsoever. The Wiz corrects this with an all Black cast. Movies and Cornbread is a monthly fundraiser for Blackspace Poetry. All donations support our weekly after school programs and help send our first poetry team to Brave New Voices, the largest youth poetry competition in the world.” 6:30pm at Blackspace Chapel Hill. Find more information here.
April 15th, 2017. Trans & GNC Closet. “CELEBRATING trans, intersex, gender non-conforming, gender variant, and agender folx, we are creating an affirming space to build our wardrobes and community. This is a monthly program hosted by the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Transgender, intersex, agender, gender variant, and non-conforming people of all ages are invited to attend, grab free clothes, and hang out at the Center. Light refreshments will be provided.” Find more information here.
April 15th, 2017. Bilingual Nonviolent Direct Action Training. “To help us prepare to be even more powerful and adaptive in the present moment, our next day-long workshop will be a nonviolent direct action training intensive on Saturday, April 15th. This participatory workshop will include reflection on current direct action work, and a whole lot of practice with our bodies. / Para ayudar a prepararnos para ser aún más poderosxs y adaptables en el momento actual, nuestro próximo taller de un día entero será un entrenamiento de acción directa sin violencia el sábado 15 de abril. Este taller participativo incluirá una reflexión sobre el trabajo actual de acción directa, y mucha práctica utilizando nuestros propios cuerpos.” 10am in Durham (register for location). Find more information here.
Sundays in April. Weekly Queer Beginning Aerials. Queer adults can support queer & trans youth by coming out to Queer Youth Circus’s adult beginner classes. Drop-in any day and you’ll learn at your own pace beginner partner acrobatics or moves on the trapeze, aerial silks, and lyra. 12pm at Triangle Circus Arts. Find more information here.