Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
THE CHARITY ISSUE With Articles Covering The Power of Giving, International Spotlight, World AIDS Day, Homelessness, Charities in the Pacific Northwest, and Much More... Dr. Anthony Fauci A Life of Service3 ENERGIZING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS4 EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, As we enter December, a time traditionally known as the season for giving, it’s important to reflect on the power of generosity. This is the time when people come together to celebrate the holidays, share love, and spread kindness. As the year draws to a close, the spirit of giving shines brightly—whether through thoughtful gifts, acts of service, or charitable donations. It is a moment to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and find ways to share that joy with others. December offers a unique opportunity to foster community, compassion, and empathy. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the warmth of human connection becomes even more vital. Giving—both big and small—has the power to create lasting memories and transform lives, making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time. Among those who make a significant impact are LGBTQ charities, which play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. These organizations tirelessly combat discrimination and provide vital resources, addressing issues such as mental health, homelessness, healthcare access, and legal protection. Each city has its own community organization, but be sure to look for smaller organizations that need the most help or those that target a specific area of service where you want to make a difference. Additionally, we must recognize the immense contributions of Dr. Anthony Fauci, a true national hero. Through his groundbreaking work in HIV/AIDS research and the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Fauci has saved millions of lives over his 54-year career. His leadership, dedication, and tireless pursuit of scientific advancement have left an indelible mark on global health. As we look ahead to 2025, we encourage readers to join together in service. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or simply offering a helping hand, each of us can make a difference. The year ahead promises to be challenging, but the more we unite in compassion, the greater our collective impact will be. Sincerely, Mike Montgomery Co-Editor of Out NW Anthony Polimeni | Publisher & Co-EditorMichael Montgomery | Editor-In-Chief5 Table of Contents The Power of Giving Escaping on the Rainbow Railroad Out NW | Washington Feature: Dr. Anthony Fauci Interview World AIDS Day & Me PNW Charities OUT NW | Alaska Call to Action & Masthead Out NW | Oregon A Meaningful Gift From Rainbows to Shadows OUT NW | Montana Out NW | Northern California Out NW | Idaho Quickies Page 6 9 12 14 19 22 26 37 40 45 48 55 59 63 66The Power of Giving Back: Why Supporting LGBTQ+ Nonprofits Matters From the Editors In a world often driven by individual pursuits, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. But the truth is, we’re all interconnected, and the well-being of our communities directly impacts our own. This is where the importance of giving back and supporting nonprofit organizations shines through. Nonprofits are vital in addressing societal needs that are often unmet by government or for-profit entities. They are the driving force behind crucial causes like poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, education, healthcare, and disaster relief. You actively create a better world by donating your time, money, or resources to these organizations. Why Support Nonprofits? The benefits of supporting nonprofits are multifaceted: Direct Impact: Your contributions directly support the cause you care about, whether providing meals to the hungry, funding medical research, or offering educational opportunities to underprivileged children. Strengthening Community: Nonprofits foster a sense of community by bringing people together towards a common goal. Volunteering creates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. Tax Benefits: In many countries, donations to registered nonprofits are tax deductible, providing an added incentive for giving. Personal Growth: Giving back can be incredibly fulfilling. It boosts self-esteem, promotes empathy, and provides a sense of purpose. The Critical Role of LGBTQ+ Charities Within the nonprofit sector, organizations serving the f Giving Back: TQ+ Nonprofits Matters e Editors LGBTQ+ community hold a particularly crucial place. Despite progress in recent years, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face disproportionate levels of discrimination, violence, and mental health challenges. Here’s how LGBTQ+ charities make a difference: Providing Safe Spaces: Community centers and support groups offer safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, find acceptance, and access resources. This is especially vital for young people grappling with their identity or those facing rejection from family and friends. Mental Health Services: LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of mental health issues due to societal stigma and discrimination. Nonprofits offer affordable counseling, support groups, and suicide prevention programs. Advocacy and Legal Aid: Many organizations fight for LGBTQ+ rights through advocacy, lobbying, and providing legal assistance to those facing discrimination or legal challenges. Health Services: Some organizations focus on providing specialized healthcare services, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries. How You Can Help There are countless ways to support LGBTQ+ nonprofits and other charitable causes: Donate: Even small monetary contributions can make a big difference. Many organizations offer recurring donation options, allowing you to contribute regularly. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills. Nonprofits often need help with various tasks, from administrative work to event planning to direct service delivery. Spread Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about the cause and encourage others to get involved. Share information on social media, talk to your friends and family, and participate in fundraising events. Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses: Choose to patronize businesses that are owned and operated by members of the LGBTQ+ community. This helps to promote economic empowerment and strengthen the community. Making a Difference No matter how small, every act of giving contributes to a ripple effect of positive change. By supporting nonprofits, you’re not just helping those in need but investing in a stronger, more equitable society for everyone. Whether you choose to support LGBTQ+ causes or other charitable organizations, your involvement matters. Take that first step today, and experience the profound impact of giving back.Oregon The LGBT Community in Oregon Photo by Maxima from GoodFon.comNext >