A letter from Tom Edwards, Executive Director Project Pride SRQ
- admin336908
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Across the country, too many leaders are normalizing bullying. We may want to lash out, but now is the time to unite, strengthen community, and create safe spaces for every voice. From Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, Veterans, Seniors, Women, and LGBTQ+—hate disguised as government is targeting us all.
In just my first three weeks at Project Pride SRQ, we’ve faced calls for my resignation at the school board and the removal of LGBTQ+ and community artwork—including the heartbreaking erasure of the Pulse Nightclub memorial crosswalk, disregarding the grief of the 49 victims’ families.
But there is good news too! Over the same three-week period, the PPSRQ board and I have been hard at work and are thrilled to share these exciting updates.
Tim McCarthy, LGBTQ+ Chair at Harvard Kennedy School, will join us in October for two signature events and to lead PPSRQ’s bold new strategic plan.
We’re launching an internationally recognized, student-led Bullying Support Squad—backed by parent allies—set to begin in 2026.
In response to the harm endured by the LGBTQ+ and arts communities by the removal of art in our streets and on our sidewalks - and thanks to the generosity of a dedicated donor, local business leaders, and artist Joey Salomon - a vibrant new community public mural series is being created. This series will stand as a beacon of resilience and creativity, inviting residents and visitors alike to leave their mark by contributing to powerful, multifaceted murals.
We’re deeply grateful to the mental health professionals who have stepped up, offering their expertise pro bono to help us launch the Bullying Support Squad. Their generosity is a testament to the urgent need for this work. But we also see clearly: to truly build and sustain this Squad—and to launch a Parents’ Support Group alongside it—we need a dedicated staff professional who can shepherd this critical effort. The need is real. The time is now. And together, we can rise to meet it.
At Project Pride, we know the path we’ve chosen is bold, ambitious, and requires unwavering commitment. And we’re all in. Thanks to the dedication of our board, we’ve already secured funding to sustain the Executive Director position for the next five years—a powerful investment in our mission and future.
Our goal is to raise $250,000 by the end of the year to fund these projects and enable us to hire professional staff. Our community raised $250,000 in my last campaign, with an average gift of $111. Some gave more, some less—but all gave because they believed in my mission. With Project Pride’s vision of a silo-free, resilient, and united community, I’m confident we can do it again.
I am committed to this cause, and while I'm asking for your financial support, this plea is driven by my unwavering dedication and belief in Project Pride SRQ. Together, we're on the verge of making extraordinary strides, with tangible data and results to back us up. My heart overflows with gratitude for the incredible community support I've felt since my appointment was announced.
Let's harness this momentum and demonstrate our united power to champion Diversity, Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Freedom.
This is our moment, right here, right now!
Can we count on you to stand with us?