'Neighbor to Neighbor funding will help provide UTOPIA an opportunity to build stronger partnerships and relationships within and among communities through our Talanoa sessions,” said Taffy Maene, executive director of the organization. With the N2N grant, they hope over the course of a year to hold four Talanoa sessions, which can cover a wide range of topics, including climate change, gender roles, economic issues and the political climate. In addition, they provide regular community forums called “Talanoa,” to provide a safe space in which community members can express themselves, identify concerns and share new ideas for positive impact. Through outreach efforts and follow-up support, UTOPIA Seattle is working to provide educational and employment opportunities and resources to connect participants with a fresh start. That effort includes advocacy at the state and local levels to combat racism and trans/homophobia. The organization launched its New Possibilities Project in 2017 to provide direct support for transgender teens and young adults transitioning out of the sex industry. Through community organizing, political engagement and cultural stewardship, they are working together to create a resilient community and advocate for social justice. UTOPIA’s mission is to provide safe, welcoming spaces to support the community and help address basic needs, share career opportunities, and strengthen the wellness of the Pacific Islander LGBTQ community. Many of these community members face challenges including transphobia, racism and job discrimination. One of our winter 2018 Neighbor to Neighbor grantees, UTOPIA (United Territories of Pacific Islanders’ Alliance) Seattle, is a nonprofit organization of queer and transgender people working to bridge gaps between communities and strengthen the identities of queer and trans Pacific Islanders. When we think of a utopia, we imagine a near perfect community flowing with equality in economics, government and justice. Working to strengthen the Pacific Islander LGBTQ community

Living spaces utopia