As we enter into PRIDE month, we find ourselves torn between a desire to celebrate the history, freedom, and the beauty of our LGBTQ+ communities; and tears of pain and sorrow as we see our country systematically oppress and murder our black and brown communities. 2020 is, by no means, a “normal” year. Yet, if there is one small piece of hope, it may be that this country’s systemic, institutional, pervasive racism is on display for the world to see. It cannot be ignored, and more white people are beginning to learn about their own participation in this racist system.

It is not enough. Now, more than ever, it is vital for each and every one of us to stand against racism. “Not acting racist” … is not enough. We must be anti-racist. We, the board of directors of the BHT Foundation, support the true patriots who are fighting on the front lines across the country for the rights and civil liberties of the descendants of those who built this country. To that end, we commit to: Reviewing our annual grant process to include funding LGBTQ+ organizations with programs that focus on social and racial justice.  Strengthening the partnerships we have with grantee organizations, to further support their work with under-served populations in our region. 

The LGBTQ+ communities would have no Pride Month without the civil rights movement, and without the work of people like Marsha P. Johnson and all those others who came before us, who paved the way for our freedoms. The fight is not yet won. Join us in telling the world that #BLACKLIVESMATTER.