THE CYPHER
BLACK TRANS + QUEER FREEDOM THROUGH TOTAL LIBERATION
A SPACE FOR HEALING THAT'S OURS ALONE
The Cypher focuses on addressing issues around gender equity, food justice, and environmental justice through a Trans* & Queer lens. Our main goal is the celebration of the indomitable brilliance of Black Trans* & Queer femmes. This abundant space holds all Trans* & Queer Black Indigenous People of Color tight, as we center the collective power of Black femmes.
Knowledge is healing. Healing is power. So, we respond to the needs of our communities by offering knowledge – context for the ways ecological justice, justice for other animals, and social justice are interwoven. Our formation prioritized total liberation. This is the way we work to answer the educational, nutritional, health, and solidarity needs of LGBTQIA+ Black and Indigenous communities.
Together, we are reconnecting to our ancestral truths to realize our “inherent value”.
A SPACE FOR HEALING THAT'S OURS ALONE
The Cypher focuses on addressing issues around gender equity, food justice, and environmental justice through a Trans* & Queer lens. Our main goal is the celebration of the indomitable brilliance of Black Trans* & Queer femmes. This abundant space holds all Trans* & Queer Black Indigenous People of Color tight, as we center the collective power of Black femmes.
Knowledge is healing. Healing is power. Se we respond to the needs of our communities by offering knowledge – context for the ways ecological justice, justice for other animals, and social justice are interwoven. Our formation prioritized total liberation. This is the way we work to answer the educational, nutritional, health, and solidarity needs of LGBTQIA+ Black and Indigenous communities.
Together, we are reconnecting to our ancestral truths to realize our “inherent value”.
OUR WORK
INTERSPECIES RELATIONSHIPS
Form meaningful connections with the living world around you through collective learning, guided experiences in our neighborhoods, and sanctuary visits.
WORKING WITH WHAT WE'VE GOT
Grow your own food and deepen your understanding of the food pathways that can work with our ecosystems, no matter where or how you live.
HEALTH, HEALING, & DEEP JOY
Sometimes revolution looks like healing. Navigate physical, spiritual, sexual, and gender-based wellness through a traditional African lens.
FOOD JUSTICE & SOVEREIGNTY
Learn how to identify, shop for, and prepare culturally relevant vegan recipes that center a connection to our food while finding ways we can upend food inequity.
I dream of your freedom
as my victory
and the victory of all dark women
who forego the vanities of silence
who war and weep
sometimes against ourselves
in each other
rather than our enemies
falsehoods
Assata my sister warrior
Joan of Arc and Yaa Asantewa
embrace
at the back of your cell.
– Audre Lorde
from ‘For Assata’, New Brunswick Prison 1977
I dream of your freedom
as my victory
and the victory of all dark women
who forego the vanities of silence
who war and weep
sometimes against ourselves
in each other
rather than our enemies
falsehoods
Assata my sister warrior
Joan of Arc and Yaa Asantewa
embrace
at the back of your cell.
– Audre Lorde
from ‘For Assata’, New Brunswick Prison 1977
SUPPORT THIS SACRED CIRCLE
Black space is sacred. Trans and Queer space that encompasses all that we are is necessary for survival. Those of us at the eternal crossroads of Trans and Queer reality and Black, Indigenous, People of color racialized ancestry need the room, the distance, the expanse to be together on our own terms.
This collective is for Black, Indigenous, and all Peoples of Color who are part of the abundance that is Trans and Queer. If you are not QTBIPOC – thank you for your care and support. While this space may not be for you, you can still do your part to ensure our work continues.
We accept financial and in-kind donations, as well as donations of time and labor for those who reside within our service areas.
Black space is sacred. Trans and Queer space that encompasses all that we are is necessary for survival. Those of us at the eternal crossroads of Trans and Queer reality and Black, Indigenous, People of color racialized ancestry need the room, the distance, the expanse to be together on our own terms.
This collective is for Black, Indigenous, and all Peoples of Color who are part of the abundance that is Trans and Queer. If you are not QTBIPOC – thank you for your care and support. While this space may not be for you, you can still do your part to ensure our work continues.
We accept financial and in-kind donations, as well as donations of time and labor for those who reside within our service areas.