Category Archives: Statement

Statement in Support of LGBTQIA+ Youth

Amidst ongoing attacks against trans and queer youth across our state, and against LGBTQIA+ groups and service providers in our region, Doorways reaffirms our support for all LGBTQIA+ people. We are honored to serve LGBTQIA+ youth and adults who access our services.

In our efforts to prevent violence and create pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault, leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives, it is critical that Doorways be a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Safe spaces save lives: LGBTQIA+ youth are particularly vulnerable to violence, housing instability, and homelessness, comprising 40% of young people experiencing homelessness in our region and nationwide. Supporting and providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people is an essential part of Doorways’ efforts toward achieving our vision of a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing.

Safe spaces save lives… Supporting and providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people is an essential part of Doorways’ efforts toward achieving our vision of a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing.

In these efforts, Doorways is proud to partner with fellow trans and queer-affirming organizations, including Safe Space NOVA, which is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. This month – Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month – we are partnering with Safe Space NOVA to host the third iteration of You + Me = We, an educational workshop series designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth and youth allies. It is more important than ever to provide these safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and promote a community culture of safe and healthy relationships, so that sexual and intimate partner violence are less likely to occur.

To all LGBTQIA+ youth, we see you; you are valid and worthy of respect and safety; and we support you.

The Promise of Healing and a Safe Community for All

While our country has taken a firm step towards healing and accountability on the Derek Chauvin trial this week, we recognize that our work is far from done. Our sense of relief is brief and countered by other tragic occurrences, including the deaths of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant, 13-year-old Adam Toledo, and 20-year-old Daunte Wright.⠀

Doorways joins many local, regional, and national leaders and organizations in this journey towards hope and meaningful change, witnessing and actively working to dismantle the pervasive systems of oppression that affect the lives of many of our clients, staff, and supporters.⠀

As an anti-violence organization, we recognize that the loss caused by abuse will not be restored, and the pain will not go away easily, but the promise of healing and a safe community for all remains our anchor and motivation today. Our commitment to peace and justice continues as we work towards creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault, leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives.

Open Letter Supporting Trans Women and Girls

Doorways joins GLADD and more than 465 feminist leaders standing in solidarity with transgender women and girls in honor of Women’s History Month and Trans Day Of Visibility. See the open letter now.

“We acknowledge with clarity and strength that transgender women are women and that transgender girls are girls. And we believe that honoring the diversity of women’s experiences is a strength, not a detriment to the feminist cause. All of us deserve the same access, freedoms, and opportunities. We deserve equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, recreation, and public accommodations. And we must respect each person’s right to bodily autonomy and self-determination.”

 

Statement of Support for our Asian American Pacific Islander Neighbors

Statement of Support for our Asian American Pacific Islander Neighbors from Arlington’s Safety Net Nonprofits

As organizations supporting marginalized people in our community, we condemn xenophobia of all kinds. We stand in solidarity with our Asian American Pacific Islander community members, especially as they face rising incidences of harassment and violence. We continue to work toward the well-being and inclusion of people of all races, ethnicities and religions, and to use our voices to elevate their dignity and humanity. See statement and Safety Net Nonprofit signers.