Connection, Advocacy and Celebration
March was a powerful month for the Freedom Center for Social Justice, full of movement, momentum, and meaningful moments. From community gatherings to advocacy on the state level, we continued our mission to uplift, protect, and celebrate the most marginalized among us. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished together:
Trans Advisory Council Meeting
We kicked off the month with the inaugural meeting of our Trans Advisory Council, a space led by trans and gender non-conforming individuals who are helping to guide and shape our work. Their insight and lived experiences are already enriching our programs, keeping our work accountable to the community it serves.
Know Your Rights Clinics
In partnership with local faith leaders, we hosted more Know Your Rights clinic, providing vital information to immigrant communities about how to stay safe and empowered in the face of immigration enforcement. We are proud to continue building bridges between justice and faith. One of the Know Your Rights Clinics this month was in collaboration with the International Minority Coalition. With every workshop, we’re reaching more people with the tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“I Am Woman, Watch Me Bleed” Exhibit
We joined the community for a stunning evening at the “I Am Woman, Watch Me Bleed” exhibit, celebrating womanhood in all its forms. The art and stories shared were raw, beautiful, deeply moving and a testament to the power of visibility and self-expression.
Big Gay Meeting in Durham, NC
We had the joy of gathering with LGBTQ leaders and allies at the Big Gay Meeting in Durham. It was a day full of strategic conversations, shared vision, and collective dreaming for a more inclusive North Carolina.
CommUNITY Gathering with Blumenthal Performing Arts
Art met advocacy at the CommUNITY Gathering by Out on the Town a part of Blumenthal Performing Arts, where we explored the intersections of identity, creativity, and justice. Events like these remind us that storytelling is a vital part of culture-shifting.
FestivALL with GEN
We were thrilled to be part of FestivALL with the Gender Education Network (GEN), a day of celebration, resources, and joy for trans youth and families. We continue to stand alongside GEN in advocating for a safer, more affirming world for all young people.
Ramadan Interfaith Iftar w/ Islamic Center of Charlotte
Breaking bread and building bridges, we joined the Islamic Center of Charlotte for a beautiful interfaith iftar. This gathering deepened our connections across faith traditions and reminded us of the sacred power of unity, compassion, and shared humanity.
Rainbow Repro Advocacy Day in Raleigh
At Rainbow Repro Advocacy Day, we stood strong in Raleigh to advocate for LGBTQ+ and reproductive justice. We met with legislators, shared stories, and raised our voices in support of policies that honor bodily autonomy, dignity, and care.
Trans Day of Visibility Mini-Market
We closed the month on a high note with our Trans Day of Visibility Mini-Market, a joyful celebration of trans life, love, and liberation. With free resources, gender-affirming services, art-making, and community connection, this event embodied everything we believe in: that trans people deserve to thrive. We had an amazing time quilting as a community for the ‘Freedom to be’ project by ACLU, in which a tapestry of quilts celebrating and centering LGBTQ+ and Trans rights and joy will be displayed in DC during world pride
Looking Ahead
March was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we show up—in community, in courage, and in love. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us, showed up, donated, and helped make these moments possible. Let’s carry this momentum forward together.
