QTBIPOC funding grant

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought t to the forefront the inequalities faced by minorities, especially for the Black, Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) and 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer + (2SLGBTQ+) communities.  It has been made apparent that the pandemic stipulates the disproportionate distribution of funding, inaccessible spaces, unemployment and reduced access to gender affirming services in health and public spaces.

This new grant aims to acknowledge these struggles, and to support those affected,  and is inspired by the QTBIPOC funding put forth by Amita Treva and Natalie in California 

Although there has been grants put forward by Trent and the greater Peterborough community Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous people of colour (QTBIPOC) individuals are disproportionately affected by the disorganization this pandemic has created. Systemic racism within our institutions has led to class inequalities that have become more apparent as access to healthcare, employment, and secure housing has been a constant struggle for QTBIPOC individuals. Unemployment and poverty rates are high among QTBIPOC communities which means a majority of these individuals cannot access financial aid such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) as we do not meet the criteria, so are left to fend for ourselves. There is an urgency to ensure that us as individuals can meet our daily needs, giving us tangible, fast and accessible financial aid that could assist in helping our communities sustain ourselves during COVID-19 and beyond.

COVID-19 is not the only pandemic that folks are currently experiencing. QTBIPOC individuals face a higher risk of experiencing issues with mental health . Exposure to domestic violence is high for QTBIPOC individuals who are quarantined and don’t have access to alternative housing accommodation. As stated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR access to health services is hindered for the queer and trans community due to discrimination and stigmatization . Further, the inaccessible health facilities and loss of positive spaces for 2SLGBTQ individuals especially trans and/ or non-binary youth have perpetuated mental health issues that were already pronounced in our communities (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Implications-of-COVID-19-for-LGBTQ-Youth-Mental-Health-and-Suicide-Prevention.pdf), such as depression, anxiety and suicidality. 

Even though this funding is primarily for COVID-19 relief, any funding not utilised (i.e. surplus) would be set aside for general funding for BIPOC individuals and would be accessible to those in need. 


The fund aims to provide for 2SLGBTQ+ folks in need, and preference will be given to BIPOC individuals.

The listed beneficiary is NOT a recipient of these funds, but is managing the bank account for the Trent Queer Collective.

HOW TO APPLY/CRITERIA:


While the idea is to provide for as much is needed, we are hoping to provide at-least $100 to each individual who applies, hence the need for this fund. Queer and trans BIPOC individuals in need can fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/GcMBUcHGcChAvHpM7 


Funds will be transferred primarily through PayPal and eTransfers but exceptions would be made to accommodate for the needs/ accessibility of the individuals applying.


We also acknowledge that the issues described above affect people all over Canada, but for our specific campaign we will be prioritizing those within our immediate community of the Nogojiwanong area.


This funding is ongoing and a goal of $10,000 has been set to make sure at-least a hundred individuals in the QTBIPOC community in Peterborough are able to receive at least $100. There is no selection criteria: individuals applying self-declare their ethnicity origin, and their postal code. $100 dollars is transferred to their specified email, as long as they are a part of the BIPOC community and identify anywhere on the queer, trans spectrum. Preference is given to folks who are located in Nogojiwanong/ Peterborough, and then Canada, at large.


Once the goal has been reached, it may be extended until every individual who has requested money is able to receive the funding.

THANK YOU! QTBIPOC individuals face the double challenges mentioned above. We would like to acknowledge these are ongoing long-standing matters that existed before the pandemic and the pandemic has only inflamed the impact on the community. We realize that the challenges will not disappear with the pandemic and there is much more work to be done. Our goal is to not only financially assist people during these trying times but also hope to use this campaign to act as an annual grant. Your donation will go a long way in relieving the financial strain caused by institutionalised racism, transphobia, homophobia and other structural barriers that QTBIPOC individuals have to face. Please reflect on your privilege and positionality when donating The community appreciates your help and generosity!


Who is the Trent Queer Collective?

The Trent Queer Collective is Trent University's and the Peterborough/ Nogojiwanong Community's Marginalized Gender Sexual Romantic Identities Group. The TQC is about building and strengthening an active queer and trans* community at Trent and in the Peterborough area. As such, we are largely involved with organizing and running events for the MGSRI community. Check out our events here on our website, or through our Facebook page , Instagram  and Twitter . We also strive to create safe and inclusive environments for all people, especially those in the queer and trans* community. Feel free to check out our resources , or contact us  if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.