FreeState Justice is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Black Abundance Collective Grant from the Meyer Foundation — the largest single grant in the organization’s history. This investment was bestowed in recognition of FreeState Justice’s trailblazing advocacy providing pro bono legal services for LGBTQ+ Marylanders. With over a decade of history fighting for marginalized populations, this grant marks a pivotal step in our fight to advance the liberation of Black LGBTQ+ people everywhere. “Black queer people have always shaped the direction of the LGBTQ+ movement,” said Phillip Westry, Esq., Executive Director of FreeState Justice. “This moment is about ensuring that our leadership is matched with sustained investment, institutional power, and structural change.” Black LGBTQ+ Marylanders navigate intersecting systems of racial inequity, economic marginalization, and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination — and even within advocacy spaces, their leadership and lived experience are not consistently centered in policy strategy, funding priorities, or institutional decision-making. In Maryland, a state often viewed as progressive on LGBTQ+ issues, these disparities in power and representation remain very visible. This grant is an investment in shifting that power. Under the leadership of Westry, Legal Director Lauren Pruitt, Esq., and Community Impact Director Ronnie L. Taylor, FreeState Justice will utilize these funds to: Expand affirming legal services that prioritize Black LGBTQ+ Marylanders Advance policy solutions that address race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and economic justice together Build leadership pathways for Black LGBTQ+ advocates statewide Strengthen the long-term infrastructure of Black-led movement institutions “This historic grant is not just a funding milestone for FreeState—it is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to uplifting Black LGBTQ+ communities in our legal advocacy,” said Pruitt. “We are grateful for this investment and energized to use it to confront inequity, break down barriers to justice, and help build a future in which every Black LGBTQ+ Marylander can thrive. The award reflects years of disciplined strategic planning, governance strengthening, and statewide expansion. It positions this organization to move beyond reactive advocacy and toward proactive, community-rooted systems of transformation. FreeState Justice is grateful to the Meyer Foundation for recognizing that investing in Black abundance strengthens the entire movement for LGBTQ+ equity in Maryland. “This is not symbolic funding. It is a structural investment,” said Taylor. “Black queer people in Maryland have carried movements on our backs while being locked out of power and long-term resources. This grant enables us to build the infrastructure our communities deserve. It allows us to lead without apology and without scarcity shaping our vision. Black abundance is not just a slogan — it is a mandate to shift who holds power, who sets priorities, and who benefits from the work. At FreeState Justice, we are ready to meet that mandate." Black LGBTQ+ voices will not simply be included — they will define the agenda.

Eating disorders affect people of all genders, identities, and bodies — but access to affirming care is not equal. This week is deeply important to me personally and professionally. I’ve lived with an eating disorder since 2009 and at one point was hospitalized for 6.5 months during my treatment journey — an experience that changed how I understand trauma, healing, and access to care. I know firsthand how isolating it can feel, especially when systems aren’t built for queer, trans, BIPOC, or otherwise marginalized bodies. I also know that recovery is possible, and that visibility saves lives. I know how terrifying and lonely this experience can be, but I also know healing is possible. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of eating disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. For example, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are more than twice as likely to develop disordered eating, and transgender people are nearly 11 times more likely than cisgender peers to have an eating disorder. These disparities stem from minority stress, discrimination, and repeated invalidation — not identity itself. ( uwa.edu.au ) Weight stigma — including bias against larger bodies — and rigid diagnostic criteria like BMI cutoffs continue to bar people from treatment, even when they are struggling with life‑threatening symptoms. Financial barriers, lack of insurance coverage, and a shortage of inclusive providers only make this worse for people with marginalized identities. ( Project HEAL ) At FreeState Justice, our mission is grounded in dignity, equity, and access. Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a call to break stigma, challenge bias, and ensure that everyone, in every body and from every community, has access to affirming, life‑saving care. You are not alone — and seeking help is strength.