Today we’d like to introduce you to Madin Lopez.
Hi Madin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The projectQ was born on April 1st, 2013, at the Queer People of Color Conference at Cal State University Northridge. On this infamous day, Gender affirmation was doled out to conference goers in the form of Haircuts. The energy created by the self-worth immolating off of Projectq’s incepting community members still rolls through the veins of its current mission and vision. ProjectQ invites Black and Brown trans youth to build trust and accountability through access to representation, wrap-around services, self-discovery, and creating equity through cycles of success.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path of our growth has been ever-trying and endlessly rewarding. ProjectQ has had to fight for every level of success we mount, yet there is an ever-present drive thrusting us in the right direction at every corner. We have endured the emboldened internet comments of those that oppose our focused community core of uplifting the Black Trans housing insecure community—on the other hand, holding the in-person front line of mentally well and unwell houseless community members. But the strongest adversary that we encounter is the internalized transphobia and anti-blackness that has permeated the worthiness of our staff and community members. Systemic inequality is insidious, seeping into the centers of those it opposes, destroying self-confidence. Unlearning lessons of a foregone thought system take daily action and moment-by-moment reprogramming.
As you know, we’re big fans of ProjectQ. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
ProjectQ is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is hell-bent on reflecting the community that it serves, Black and Brown Trans and Gender expansive people. By giving free beauty, hygiene, and food services to food and housing insecure community members, ProjectQ is set apart by its investment in the staff and community’s mental health. The community can invest in itself by paying for services, making those same services free for those that cannot afford them. ProjectQ is proud to receive the TCE grant, chosen by Trans youth in California. ProjectQ is an abolitionist organization seeking emotional and mental reparations for Black and Brown trans people.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Me as a person? I am a huge nerd, love playing board games, and have a huge manga collection.
Contact Info:
- Website: projectQ.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_q_/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectq.info
