Our Approach
How We Move Toward Pride
Central to our approach is understanding that care is structural. It lives in the policies institutions adopt, the systems they build, and the resources they provide. Our work begins with a clear analysis of how systems currently operate, where they fall short, and how they can be redesigned to produce more just outcomes. Here’s how we do it.
01
Start With Lived Experience
We center the lived experiences of Black LGBTQ+ communities through the Institutional Continuum and its companion survey. Rather than treating these experiences as anecdotal, we use them as data to inform how institutions make structural changes that close gaps, repair harm, and build systems that better serve those most often left out.
Map Systems of Care
02
The continuum maps institutions across a spectrum from antagonizing to advocating. It makes visible how systems either reinforce harm or create the conditions for safety and flourishing. It allows us to understand where an institution stands—and how change happens over time.
Move Toward The Standard
03
We hold the Advocating Institution as the standard. It actively champions the freedom and full flourishing of Black LGBTQ+ communities, speaks out against systemic harm, and invests in the well-being of all communities. It is the horizon we are always moving toward together.
Demonstrate Measurable Results
04
Care can be measured and changed. It can be tracked over time so institutions understand where they stand, how they are progressing, and where their systems need to improve.
25%
Increase in affirming policies and practices
Our Approach Is Working
Based on a recently published three-year longitudinal study conducted by scholars at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, our 60+ institutional partners demonstrated an average 25% increase in LGBTQ+ affirming policies and practices.
Support Our Work
Toward Pride equips institutions with the tools, practices, and accountability needed to deliver equitable, affirming care. If you’re ready to move from intention to impact, explore how to begin partnering with us.