A message from the Tegan and Sara Foundation regarding COVID-19.

Dear Tegan and Sara Foundation Family –

We hope you and your loved ones are safe.

The Tegan and Sara Foundation has always focused on grassroots action, and our first priority is meeting the immediate needs of our community (while we fight for long-term change). As with many crises, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact in LGBTQ+ communities. Factors like compromised immune systems, higher rates of tobacco use within the LGBTQ+ community, and provider discrimination make us especially vulnerable during COVID-19. In the midst of COVID-19, we’ve asked ourselves, and our community, “How can TSF best help?” Here’s what we’re focusing on:

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In March, we launched our Community Grants program, offering microgrants ($500-$1000) to individuals and small organizations with projects that are supporting LGBTQ+ community through the COVID-19 pandemic, whether through providing crucial resources, creating spaces online for art, positivity and conversation, and more. Along with public health workers and essential retail workers, the uplifting, creative, grassroots ideas are the ones getting us through the quarantine. We’re granting more than $20,000 to grassroots organizations in our first cycle.

HEALTH
LGBTQ+ communities are very familiar with health epidemics and stigma. To ensure our community is adequately served during this outbreak, we will continue our work with GLMA to make culturally-competent health professionals more accessible. 

MENTAL WELL BEING
Movements are restricted. Isolation is necessary. Uncertainty is the current normal. But being physically separate doesn’t mean we need to be lonely. We’re grateful for our online community where we will engage, share information and resources, and positive content to protect our mental health.

Thank you for helping us be consistently there for our community during this time of uncertainty.  Let us know how we can continue to support you and your community.  

With love and support,
Tegan and Sara Foundation

P.S. Here’s a list of resources that we’ve leaned on, to keep your spirits up during this time.