Audre Lorde Project

Audre Lorde Project logo

Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a community organizing center based in New York City that focuses on the wellness and community advocacy for LGBTQ+ people of color. Named after Audre Lorde, a Caribbean-American writer, feminist, and civil rights activist, the project embodies her legacy of advocacy for social justice, equality, and the importance of giving voice to marginalized communities.

History

The Audre Lorde Project was founded in 1994, in response to the growing need for a space that specifically addresses the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people of color. The organization was established with the goal of developing a more inclusive movement that accounts for the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class in the fight for equality and justice.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Audre Lorde Project is to work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Through mobilization, education, and capacity-building, the project seeks to create a more equitable society where LGBTQ+ people of color can thrive without fear of discrimination or violence. The vision of ALP is deeply rooted in the belief that liberation for LGBTQ+ people of color is intrinsically linked to the broader struggle against all forms of oppression.

Programs and Activities

The Audre Lorde Project organizes a variety of programs and activities aimed at empowering LGBTQ+ people of color and advocating for their rights. These include:

- TransJustice: A community organizing group created by and for Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color, focusing on social, economic, and political justice. - Safe OUTside the System: An anti-violence program that seeks to address the safety needs of LGBTQ+ people of color through community-based strategies rather than relying on the police. - Third Space Support: Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ people of color to navigate life's challenges, including health and wellness, legal issues, and housing.

Community Impact

The Audre Lorde Project has made significant contributions to the well-being and empowerment of LGBTQ+ people of color in New York City and beyond. By providing a safe space for community building, advocacy, and activism, ALP has helped to foster a sense of belonging and resilience among its members. The organization's work in promoting social justice and equality has also contributed to broader movements for civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in social justice work.

Challenges and Future Directions

Like many grassroots organizations, the Audre Lorde Project faces ongoing challenges, including funding constraints and the need to adapt to changing political and social landscapes. Despite these challenges, ALP remains committed to its mission and continues to explore new ways to support LGBTQ+ people of color and advocate for systemic change.

See Also

• LGBTQ+ rights in the United States
• Intersectionality
• Civil rights movement