The Pride parade is one of the most wonderful events of the year. I get to match my outfit to the flag I’m waving, ride on beautiful floats, and display my personal brand of dancing that many call “enthusiastic to an alarming degree”. Sadly there won’t be any parades this year, but you can bet your last pickaxe that the next ones will more than make up for it.
Our celebrations may look a bit different this year, but not leaving our homes didn’t stop us from contributing. As part of our Build a Better World initiative, we have donated $125,000 USD across five important organizations:
Campaign Against Homophobia — is a Polish organization whose mission is empowerment of marginalized groups on various levels. They work with Polish and international nonprofits along with individuals to help the progression of acceptance of LGBTI people, bring an end to the prejudices regarding them, and monitor and react on violations of human rights.
Colombia Diversa — specializes in the recognition and defense of the rights of LGBTI people in Colombia. It aims to improve the lives of LGBTI people in Colombia through its human rights reports and advocacy campaigns.
OutRight Action International — works to research, document, defend and advance human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people everywhere. In addition, OutRight’s COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund supports LGBTIQ communities on the frontlines of the pandemic.
RainbowYOUTH — works with queer, gender diverse and intersex youth in New Zealand to ensure all young people there can thrive. The organization believes in fostering safe, inclusive, accepting and diverse environments that are family friendly.
Know Your Rights Camp is empowered by the mission to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.
These days, we’re all doing our part to make the world a safer place, but that shouldn’t stop when we resume our regular lives. The world should be a safe place for all of us, all the time, and not just from pandemics. That’s why celebrations like Pride are vital. It’s not just a way of spreading the message of love and equality, it’s also a reminder that we still have work to do when building a better world.
Mojang Studios creates games that welcome everyone, which is a reflection of the world we want to live in. Our amazing community reminds us of this mission each and every day. Remember that you’re perfect just the way you are (unless you’re digging straight down).