An Arizona activist group says it has launched a fund to help LGBTQ migrants and people of color pay rent and buy food during the coronavirus pandemic.
The balance of the reserve is $20,000. But the group behind it does not believe in charity, says Aron Castillo, health justice coordinator for Trans Queer Pueblo.
“Everybody who receives money from the Radical Wellbeing Fund is also asked to join our mutual aid committee,” Castillo said.
The panel meets weekly to decide how to spend money from the fund. It also does outreach and defends access to vital needs like housing.
“We have taken this inspiration from groups like the Black Panthers and the Zapatistas,” Castillo said.
The committee aims to build solidarity, instead of just giving a handout.
