The LOFT's TransMission Program launched on Dec 28, 2020 for the first of 2 cycles of scholarships in 2021. TransMission is a small scholarship of funds available to applicants who identify within the trans & non-binary communities to offset medical, surgical, legal, and/or social transition-related expenses which are not otherwise covered by insurance.
LOFT staff knew there was an immense need for financial assistance for TGNCNB community members who are disproportionately impacted by a multitude of systemic disparities. The application period for this cycle ends on Feb 28th, 2021, and as we conclude the first month of receiving applications, that immense need is becoming more and more apparent. The LOFT has received over 100 applications so far with an entire month still to go. We have also received requests to translate the application into other languages for the TGNCNB ESL communities. For this first cycle, The LOFT has the capacity to offer 4 scholarships.
The LOFT's is determined to grow that capacity in 2021 and we are actively recruiting donations for the TransMission Scholarship Fund. Our friends at the organization Queery want to help as well. Click for more details on how you can help.
If you would like to donate to the TransMission Scholarship Fund click here and indicate TransMission in the
Additional Information section.
The organization Queery is a long-time collaborator with The LOFT and part of their Queermark card series have designed a "Many Forms of Love" card which is available for purchase through their Kickstarter campaign. Queery will be donating 50% on proceeds to TransMission from the sale of this card.
Here is a message from Queery about the "Many Forms of Love" card from its designer and Queery co-founder Geoff.
Who knew there was a National Send A Friend A Card Day? Not me! But I do now and so do you. February 7th, a week before Valentine’s Day, is Send A Friend A Card Day. Not much is known about this unofficial holiday, but it’s a fun way to celebrate friendship with those near or far. Commemorate the occasion by reconnecting with an old friend, telling a current one how much you care about them, and even starting up a friendship with someone new. All it takes is a card and a pen.
Especially in these pandemic times, our friends, family and colleagues may feel more lonely, disconnected, even underappreciated. Life can get like that sometimes. Sending cards can really show you care and be more impactful than you can imagine. Brightening someone’s day with a greeting card is beneficial to both you and the recipient. Writing out a card can ease stress, calm the mind, and improve your writing skills. It also allows you to express a sentiment that you may be a bit shy about saying out loud, such as “I miss you,” “thank you for your support” or “our friendship means the world to me.” Receiving a card is uplifting and joyful and is a welcome departure from the bills, solicitations and ads most of us get in our mail. A card can be a wonderful keepsake and reminder that someone out there loves you. And don’t forget to “fancy up” the envelope with stickers, calligraphy or an unusual stamp.
Some things you could include in your card:
- Thank them for something they’ve taught you.
- Mention a quality about them that you admire.
- Bring up a fun memory the two of you have shared.
- Ask a caring question to encourage them to write you back.
You can easily email an ecard, but why not send a more personal note in a hand-written card. In fact, I’d like to recommend Queery’s greeting card line, Queermark, for a beautiful card with a heartfelt sentiment. Their “Many Forms of Love” card is not only playful and empowering, but it can be a testament to the many ways we show love and caring to our closest friends and dearest family members. You can get your cards by making a donation to Queery’s Kickstarter with 50% of proceeds going to TransMission, a scholarship fund to support those who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming & non-binary (TGNCNB) to offset medical, surgical, legal, and/or social transition-related expenses not covered by insurance. Help out a great cause and get these cool cards as well.
So what are you waiting for...go ahead and get some cards and start writing them out. It’s not only a boon to the postal service, but your friends, family and loved ones near and far will appreciate it too. It’s a pretty simple way to put a smile on someone’s face. And the world can always use more smiles.
Sincerely,
Geoff
He/Him/His
Queery makes queer theory accessible in fun and interactive ways, giving voice to the issues and people that usually remain voiceless.
Interested in our work? Check out all our programs:
Queer Zen, Queermark, Queer Community Book Club, Queery Pronoun Challenge at Queery.us