Celebrate Everyone.

The AMAAD Institute recognizes that LGBTQIA+ people around the world face violence and inequality, because of whom they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of ourselves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. We want you to know that here, you are celebrated and free to express yourself your way.

A Message From Our CEO:

Family and Friends,

Here at the AMAAD Institute, not only do we celebrate June as LGBTQ+ Pride month, but we also celebrate Juneteenth (aka Freedom Day). Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it was not until June 19th, 1865, did enslave Black people in Texas receive the news that slavery had been legally abolished. And it was 104 years later, in June 1969 when Black and Brown Transwomen led the Stonewall Uprising. This is generally considered the beginning of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement. Stonewall Uprising consisted of a series of events between police and LGBTQ+ protesters which stretched over six days. The protest events that unfolded fundamentally changed the discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ activism. Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ Pride month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the plight of our people that came before us who were denied freedom and liberation, though it is also a time to be reflective of what work still needs to be done.

Happy Pride and Juneteenth.

Carl Highshaw, MSW,DSW

CEO and Founder

carl@amaad.org

June Program Calender

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Juneteenth "Day of Freedom"

AMAAD Partners with

Francisco Homes

Housing affordability has been a prevailing issue in Los Angeles for low-income individuals for several years. The cost-of-living index has not kept up with housing cost demand. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,500 to $1,800 per month. And more often than not, to qualify for that rent price range, applicants must show evidence of income at least two to three times the rent.

On the horizon, there has been a rise in the development of micro-community permanent shared housing facilities as developers have found a way to satisfy the single adult housing need. On average micro-community, permanent shared housing facilities contain anywhere from 8-to-15 private rooms with bathrooms inside of each room as well as other amenities. Private rooms can be furnished and equipped with a bed, desk with chair, dresser, refrigerator, microwave, televisions, and more. The facility also contains common areas such as a kitchen, dining room, and living room.

As a solution to the single adult housing dilemma, the AMAAD Institute's Reclaiming Innocence Project has partnered with Francisco Homes, which caters to justice-involved participants, recently released individuals who have spent more than 20 years in prison, and Section 8 Managers property management firm. The Reclaiming Innocence permanent housing program component offers rental assistance to justice-involved working single adults who need rental assistance.

For more information about the Reclaiming Innocence Project, visit www.amaad.org.

AMAAD congratulates our most recent occupants!

Ted Booker

Housing Manager

Ted@amaad.org

AMAAD Celebrates Spring Revival

On May 22, the AMAAD Institute's Spring Revival event was created to celebrate the resiliency of our community members and staff during COVID-19 with the goal to create a safe space for all Black LGBTQ+ individuals to be themselves and connect with others and to reintroduce AMAAD’s programs and services as the world slowly begins to reopen. Because the pandemic had lasting effects on Black communities in South Los Angeles, such as impacts of homelessness, employment, and mental and emotional health, and substance use, the AMAAD Institute recognized the necessity and importance to physically, yet responsibly connect with the community again.

The Spring Revival event featured a live DJ and performances, a best-dressed contest, amazing food, giveaways, and "swag bags" filled with a safer sex kits, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and sanitizers, and information on AMAAD’s programs and services. Over 40 individuals attended the event including a number of community stakeholders.

Stay on the lookout for future events by visiting www.amaad.org!

Kenneth Martin

Housing Manager

Kenneth@amaad.org

AMAAD Kicks Off Pride Month with

LA American Horror Story Mini Ball

On June 6th, the AMAAD Institute hosted its first Mini Ball, themed American Horror Story. As an organization, AMAAD is connected to the love and passion of the House and Ballroom community. We celebrate the uniqueness and courage it takes to walk down the runway and be unapologetically you. This underground experience was created to give Black and Latino LGBTQIA+ members of the community a safe space to be authentic and free of the norms of the world. That Sunday we did just that.

With the goal to engage Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, AMAAD centered the community's safety, welcoming over 80+ guests participating in our seven incentivized categories: Virgin Runway, Virgin Vogue, Realness, Face, Sex Siren, OTA (open to all) Runway, and OTA Performance.

The AMAAD Institute partnered with community greats DJ Sidney Perry, commentator Torie Balmain, and videographer; Ryku Lyght.

As ballgoers left, they were connected to AMAAD programs and services and received an AMAAD Armor Bag, the organization's wellness kit filled with program brochures, hygiene items, condoms, lube, and other essential goods.

Thank you to AMAAD staff, community partners, and friends who made the LA American Horror Story Mini Ball come true!

Find out more about AMAAD programs, services, and events at www.amaad.org!

Christopher Webb

Communications and Outreach Specialist

Chris@amaad.org