This conversation, which took place on May 23, 2024, was co-hosted by Rebecca Cokley, U.S. Disability Rights Program Officer for the Ford Foundation, and moderated by Kavita N. Ramdas, Independent Feminist Advocate and Philanthropic Advisor, and founder of KNR Sisters. A transcript of the event is available.

This was a collaborative event organized by: Center for Genetics and Society (CGS), Black Women for Wellness (BWW), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), and National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

Description:

Advocacy for reproductive justice, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ rights overlaps when addressing issues of family formation and genetic testing. The recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that gave frozen IVF embryos personhood status highlighted the need for coordinated feminist, anti-eugenic, LGBTQ+-inclusive perspectives and engagement on cutting-edge issues of assisted reproductive and genetic technologies. With better understanding of these issues, philanthropy can play a key role in supporting collaborative, intersectional approaches that advance the goals of these three advocacy movements.

CGS, BWW, DREDF, and NCLR are deeply committed to collaborative movement strategies that support rather than undermine each other’s efforts. The discussion explores the obstacles and opportunities before us as we work to build a just future in which every life is valued, every family is celebrated, and everyone’s rights are respected.