BPI Advocacy Committee Holds First Community Call on March 4, 2025

As promised, we are creating new opportunities for you to engage with BPI and to reinforce bonds with fellow members and allies. This virtual meeting courtesy of your Advocacy Committee is a response to the ever-growing need for us to build community and to strengthen ties that make us a family. It is our hope that this fosters a greater sense of solidarity among BPI members and to inspire us to reach out to our local communities to make a difference.

 

Remember, in these trying times, we are stronger together than we are apart.

 

Below is the note from your Advocacy Committee chairs Tristan Snyder and Tai Tomasi regarding the first community meeting:

 

The BPI advocacy committee is pleased to announce that we will be holding community meetings alternating weekly on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. Information for our first meeting is below:

 

Who: blind LGBTQIA plus folx and Allies

What: the building blocks of local community

Where: Zoom (Check the announce list for meeting information.)

When: Tuesday March 4, 8:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM Pacific

 

Why: Are you struggling to make sense of everything that is going on in the world? Are you feeling overwhelmed and looking for community? Join like-minded people to learn how to connect with local resources, get involved with advocacy, and cultivate Hope in these difficult times. If you feel moved, let us know what you think the needs of the Blind LGBTQIA plus community are. What can the Blind pride international advocacy committee do for you, and our community as a whole? What topics would you like to see the advocacy committee cover?

 

If you have questions or concerns, please email: advocacy@blindlgbtpride.org

All paws on deck: The Savvy Ally discussion February 22

This Saturday, February 22, we are wrapping up our discussions around the savvy ally. This series of discussions all came to us from our intrepid allies Bill and Susie Rivera, so it is very, very fitting that they have structured a conversation that is both timely and needed. We will be recording this episode for the next Pride Connection and would really like to hear as many BPI member voices in the conversation.

 

As you will see and Bill and Susie‘s conversation outline below, we’re not only looking for ally voices. Members of the community can help shape How allies think about and offer their support as they stand with us in these truly unprecedented times. If you are available, please consider joining us at 4:30 PM Eastern, 1:30 PM Pacific.

We will disseminate the zoom information when we put out the reminder later this week on the Announce list.

 

Here is the conversation Outline:

For this month’s Savvy Ally discussion, we propose diving into a crucial and timely conversation:

  • As allies, how can we best support the LGBTQ+ community in these times when advocacy and awareness are more important than ever?
  • As allies, how can we ensure we are actively advocating for our LGBTQ+ friends and family in ways that truly matter?
  • How can we, as allies, make sure our messaging and advocacy efforts genuinely reflect the needs and voices of the LGBTQ+ community?
  • Most importantly, what do you, as LGBTQ+ individuals, need from us right now to feel supported and uplifted?

We envision this discussion to be about listening, learning, and taking action in meaningful ways, so join us on Saturday, February 22. Check the announce list for the meeting details or contact the media team at media@blindlgbtpride.org for more information.

To know more about Blind LGBT Pride International, visit www.bpi.gay.