Instead of spending money on a transitional advertising campaign, Brooklyn Brewery on Thursday said it is directing its resources to fund Brooklyn Brewery Supports, a new initiative that will provide direct financial assistance to trans, non-binary and two-spirit New Yorkers throughout the year.
The brewery said it partnered with queer Latina activist, actor and Stonewall Inn Gives Back board member Angelica Christina. Together, they’ll distribute $25,000 in direct support to 25 New Yorkers — $1,000 each, no strings attached, to help cover basic but critical needs like housing, healthcare, transportation and food.
“As attacks on trans rights escalate, we wanted to use our resources to show up with purpose — by supporting people in our own city who are too often pushed to the margins," said Robin Ottaway, president of Brooklyn Brewery.
Christina will help select recipients, advocate for their stories, and, when safe and consented to, collaborate with Brooklyn Brewery to amplify their stories throughout the year.
“The trans, nonbinary and two-spirit community have been under massive attack these past several months,” Christina said in a statement. “This current administration is intent on eradicating us while further pushing us into poverty. We hope to uplift the voices of our most vulnerable and at risk when it's needed the most."
Recipients will be selected on a rolling basis through December 2025. Anyone who identifies as trans, non-binary, or two-spirit, is 21+, and lives in NYC may apply, or be nominated by a friend. To apply or nominate someone, click here.
