Hello: I am Nahshon Dion, a former resident of Weho for four years and the founder of TRANSBRATIONS Arts Collective. This grassroots organization, with members Jazzmun Crayton, Ebony Lane, and LZ Love, provides economic support to Black trans women and Black trans nonbinary femmes in the arts and entertainment. We honor the traditions and aesthetics of artists, performers, and writers of color, creating a safe space to affirm our humanity by sharing and celebrating our stories, resources, and knowledge.
To continue leading social change through the arts and entertainment and strengthening community bonds, we develop diverse programs that pay tribute to and celebrate the humanity of the African-American Trans community. We aim to promote positive representation and foster a deeper understanding of Black people and transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. We aim to be a positive counter-narrative to the vicious and dehumanizing stories often told about the Black transgender community.
Last winter, two members of the TRANSBRATIONS Art Collective applied for the Weho Pride grant. Ebony Lane sought funding to honor Ivan Daniel and other community members who had passed away. Jazzmun Crayton applied for funding to screen her film, “In Full Bloom: Transcending Gender.” Both applications were unfortunately rejected. Despite our shock, disappointment, and confusion, especially since half of the funds were not distributed, we were pleased to see that diverse community members did receive support. Our collective hope is that if Weho Pride offers the grant next year, all available funds will be awarded to applicants, allowing Weho to continue its legacy as a legendary world-class city renowned as the heart of LGBTQ Los Angeles, boasting a longstanding tradition of pride and inclusivity.
This conversation is important to continue. Only 14 grants were given out of 47 applicants – and just half of the allotted funds council approved. Perhaps a review of the criteria and staff support in filling out the application is needed. A great goal in keeping with the spirit of why the grant was created would be to distribute all the funds.
People get rejected for funding all the time, every day, every where. I don’t know why you were “shocked.” Do what everybody else does, just keep trying.