Image description: A graphic in the style of Pokemon with a photo of Leo floating atop a blue and orange background. The text “Leo!” and "APIENC" is to the right.
Image description: A graphic in the style of Pokemon with a photo of Leo floating atop a blue and orange background. The text “Leo!” and “APIENC” is to the right.

Who’s that new staff person?! – 24 hours to #PowerUpGiveOUT

June 29, 2021 — By Lavender Phoenix

Dear APIENC community,

This year, our community has faced crisis after crisis. We’ve been targeted by white supremacist attacks, denied access to gender-affirming healthcare, isolated through the COVID-19 pandemic and so much more. So many trans and queer APIs have been made to feel helpless. While many of us may be feeling low on charge, APIENC is committed to powering up to respond to these crises and build a world where trans and queer APIs can heal collectively, redefine safety, share our stories with each other, and combat isolation.

As part of growing our vision, we need to grow our team. We’re thrilled to announce that APIENC is leveling up: Leo Hegde is joining the team as our new Community Organizer! Leo started their work with APIENC as an active member of the Trans Justice and Core Committees, and he is an alumni of Parivar’s Advisory Committee and ASATA’s Bay Area Solidarity Summer. Now, as one of APIENC’s Community Organizers, Leo’s role focuses on building systems for true community safety by supporting our members to develop alternatives to harmful institutions.

Image description: A graphic in the style of Pokemon with a photo of Leo floating atop a blue and orange background. The text “LEO!” and "APIENC" is to the right.
Image description: A graphic in the style of Pokemon with a photo of Leo floating atop a blue and orange background. The text “Leo!” and “APIENC” is to the right.

To support Leo’s leadership and the growth of our community safety work, we need your help. Today is GiveOUT Day, the only national day dedicated to raising funds for LGBTQ+ organizations. Along with our team of grassroots fundraisers, Summer Organizers, and Staff, we’ve launched the #PowerUpGiveOUT campaign, aiming to raise $15,000 by 9pm PST June 30th! 

Will you donate $40 to support Leo’s leadership and help APIENC power up our work?

Here are some other amounts that mean a lot to APIENC:

  • $120: for the 12th year of our Summer Organizer Program!
  • $90: for the 9 members of our trans and non-binary API peer counseling team!
  • $50: for the 5 member-led committees leading transformative work!
  • $30: for the 3 Dragon Fruit Podcast episodes launching this year!

Donations received before 9pm PST on Wednesday, June 30th, will count towards the GiveOUT Day leaderboard – don’t wait to start powering up! Any amount counts 💸

“APIENC is my political home: a place where I have connected with my trans, non-binary, and queer API lineage, nurtured some of my closest frienships, and worked with my community to build real solutions to the challenges we face. Can you support my growth, learning and leadership by investing in APIENC as we take this work to the next level?” – Leo Hegde

#PowerUpGiveOUT

With love and in solidarity,
APIENC

P.S. Did you know? All unique donations of $10 or more can help us receive additional funds from the Give OUT Day leaderboards. Donate NOW!