From Peggy Gillespie - Our Annual Fund

[peggywrite]

 Dear Watchupto Friends,  I hope you'll read my email and decide to join with our non-profit organization to continue to combat the hatred and bigotry that is so prevalent in this crazy world.  Every single donation counts!  

   Warmly, Peggy

 

When we started Family Diversity Projects in 1995, we never imagined our nonprofit organization would be fighting the same battles 30 years later. Yet here we are in 2025 – and the stakes have never been higher.

 

Our unique arts-based social justice work encourages a safer and more compassionate world for all. The work we do — interviewing and photographing members of vulnerable groups and sharing their lives through traveling photo-text exhibits and books – has never been more vital.

THE REALITY WE ARE FACING:

●      41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year – rising to 56% for transgender and nonbinary young people.

●      1 in 5 hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and Executive orders have erased federal recognition of transgender Americans.

●      A Supreme Court ruling allows ICE agents to racially profile while a new law gives federal agencies $170 billion for anti-immigrant enforcement, detention, and deportation. The number of non-criminal detainees arrested has surged by 2,000% under Trump.

WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT:  Our traveling photo-text exhibits aren't just art – they are powerful tools that challenge ignorance and hatred with education and love. Real stories from real people, displayed where they're needed most: schools, houses of worship, universities, public libraries, and museums in states including Texas, Michigan, Iowa, New Mexico, Louisiana, Missouri, Georgia, etc.

THIS YEAR ALONE:  Our most recent book, Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families was named The Common Read by the Unitarian Universalist Association, reaching congregations across the USA. Building Bridges: Portraits of Immigrants and Refugees countered anti-immigrant rhetoric nationwide – and requests are already pouring in for both exhibits in 2026. 

THE CONGRESSWOMAN CONNECTION:  Delaware's Sarah McBride, featured in Authentic Selves, is the first openly trans member of the U.S. Congress. Her story proves what's possible when we replace fear with understanding. Rep. McBride reminds us that, “Each of us has a deep and profound desire to be seen, to be acknowledged, and to be respected in our totality.”

OUR AUDACIOUS GOAL:  To get Authentic Selves, Love Makes a Family, and Building Bridges exhibits into venues in all 50 states – because minds change when hearts open. 

“Your exhibit is incredible, beautiful and powerful! Families come in every shape, size, and shade – something that deeply resonated with our students, many of whom have diverse or complex family structures...The photographs are stunning and tell meaningful stories, but the accompanying written narratives truly bring each family’s experience to life.” Iiyannaa Graham-Siphanoum (she/her) “ November 2025 Assoc. Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging | Western Reserve Academy

WHAT WE NEED:  To keep our exhibits traveling – especially to communities that can't afford hosting fees – we need to raise $50,000 by December 31st. 

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION AT EVERY LEVEL: 

●      $100 - Five of our books donated to local and school libraries

●      $250 - Marketing materials for community outreach

●      $500 - Round-trip shipping of one exhibit to a library, school, or house of worship 

●      $1,000 - Replacement of two sets of 30-year-old exhibit texts

●      $2,500 - Full exhibit showing subsidized in an underfunded community venue

●      $5,000 - An additional copy of the Authentic Selves exhibit to meet rising demands

●      $15,000 - Partial funding for our new outreach staff

●      $25,000 - Supports our annual operating expenses

We are immensely grateful to past donors who have supported FDP's traveling exhibits over many years and to new donors who recognize that these authentic human stories and beautiful photographs can build bridges between divided communities.  Every donation helps.

But with this administration's direct attacks on immigrant and trans communities, our exhibits aren't just educational tools – they are lifelines. The scale of this crisis demands we show up bigger and bolder than ever. Please consider making the most generous donation you can, because marginalized communities need us now more than ever – and we need YOU to support them.

With gratitude and determination, 

Peggy Gillespie & Gigi Kaeser

Co-Directors, Family Diversity Projects

P.S. With your permission, we will honor donors of $250+ as Ambassadors of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website – familydiversityprojects.org – because visibility matters.

Please help us meet our goals by making your donation online at familydiversityprojects.org/donate, scanning the QR code, or mailing a check to:

 

Family Diversity Projects
61 Ford Crossing
Northampton, MA 01060