Southerners On New Ground


Southerners on New Ground is a social justice, advocacy and capacity building organization serving and supporting queer and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, uniquely focusing its work in the southern United States through community organizing for economic and racial justice.

History

SONG was founded at the National LGBTQ Task Force's 1993 Creating Change conference with the goal of building progressive movements across the American South by six women, including Mandy Carter and Mab Segrest.
The organization was asked by the 40th Anniversary Steering Committee for the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to mobilize LGBT participation at the rally.

Programs

Southerners on New Ground's programs include community trainings and policy advocacy at the intersection of race, class, culture, gender and sexual identity across the south.

Igniting the Kindred

"Igniting the Kindred," SONG's project and motto, refers to gathering people who have similar experiences in the context of racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, sexism, nationalism, and exploitation in the American South.

Immigration

In July 2014, Southerners on New Ground partnered with to conduct a sit-in by LGBT and immigration activists at the office of Congressman Mark Takano, prompting the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus to draft a statement to President Barack Obama on the needs of undocumented LGBT people.

Coalitions

Southerners on New Ground has partnered with organizations at the intersection of racial and economic justice, including:
Southerners on New Ground receives its funding from individual donors and foundations, including: