As the wind of the Black Lives Matter protests keeps rising in America and around the world, the beginning of Pride Month marks a new addition to the movement in support of Black trans people.

Together, the LGBTQ+ community and the BLM movement have been the protagonists of this week’s latest protests. Activists have rallied in multiple cities across the U.S. to highlight undermining issues that affect Black LGBTQ+ individuals, such as police brutality, discrimination, and racism.

Thousands of people have marched for change and justice following the killing of two Black trans women, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, 27, and Riah Milton, 25. Fells was found dead on the shore of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, while Milton was shot several times in a robbery attempt in Ohio.

Dominique Fells and Riah Milton Illustrations by African@AAPolicyForum

Their deaths fuelled anger among the Black and the LGBTQ+ communities, especially after the police misgendered the victims and following the decision of President Trump to allow health care providers to deny support for trans individuals.

It’s not the first time Black trans people have been targeted or discriminated by the police: earlier in March, three other Black trans individuals were murdered and their names never got to be remembered.

As reported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in 2020 there’s been at least 15 transgender or gender non-conforming people murdered by violent means, but many other stories may still be unreported.

However, united in a country-wide protest, people are demanding to have justice, to say their names, and to show love to Black trans lives. On June 14, an estimated 50,000 people manifested in New York City, Los Angeles and Brooklyn, equipped with colourful signs and white t-shirts as a nod to the 1917 silent protest parade organised by the NAACP.

The peaceful protests and silent vigils were also accompanied by Drag marches, speakers and Pride Liberation manifestations, and will continue to protest in the next couple of days.

Some of the organisations present at the rallies included: the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, The Okra Project and Black Trans Femmes.

‘All Black Lives Matter’, the powerful statement painted on Hollywood Boulevard, LA, is the background for these protests which have now flooded social media feeds.

On Twitter, the families and friends of the victims share some thoughts and memories, inciting people to call for justice. The hashtags and serve as a tribute to them but also to get people involved in the protests.

Between protests, petitions and donations, there are many ways you can spread awareness to help the movement: with the many LGBTQ+ organisations involved, you can financially support the community by visiting their website and make a donation.

Donate here: • The Okra Project

• The Black Trans Travel Fund • Black Visions Collective • All About Trans • The Marsha P. Johnson Institute • GoFundMe (for Fells and Milton’s funerals)

You can also share the number for the first transgender suicide hotline in the U.S., the

Trans Lifeline. Reach at 877-565-8860.

Additionally, these are some of the petitions you can sign:

Justice for Pete

Protect Black Trans Women!

More protection for Black Trans Women UK

Words by Gennaro CostanzoCover by Clare Stephenson

The post Black Trans Lives Matter: How To Donate To Support The Movement appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The last few days of May have become part of history. George Floyd is the name appearing all over the news and Internet with the hashtag . The death of yet another black American man in the US, by the hands of police, sparked anger among the community who witnessed the explosion of protests and riots.

‘I can’t breathe’ and ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ are the words echoing in the peaceful demonstrations which have drawn people from all 50 states in the US and many countries abroad to call for police reform and justice.

History seems to unfold yet again in a similar pattern to the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s/60s: just like the killing of activist Jimmie Lee Jackson in 1965, George Floyd’s death has become a symbol of the racial injustice in America.

Fifty-five years after the (in)famous Bloody Sunday and the marches led by Martin Luther King Jr, a new generation of protesters is still fighting for justice. A battle which is necessary to definitely end racism and save millions of lives.

Unlike the Civil Rights Movement, George Floyd’s protests have received wider support, including people from every country and race. While the demonstrations in 1968 culminated in the deaths of Afro-American Unity founder Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr, the protests of 2020 are fuelling the anger from the latest victims of police brutality to bring change.

As new investigations over Floyd’s death are still underway and protesters all around the world keep calling for justice, here’s a timeline of the major events that took place since that day.

Monday, May 25: George Floyd dies in police custody At 8 p.m. during Memorial Day, George Floyd, 46, is arrested by four officers after allegedly using a fake $20 bill at the local Cup Foods in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A disturbing video is posted on Facebook, showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds as he repeats to them ‘I can’t breathe’. He dies in police custody after losing consciousness. The clip of the event quickly goes viral on the Internet.

Tuesday, May 26: The demonstrations start in Minneapolis The community in Minneapolis gathers on the site of the incident, marching towards the Third Police Precinct and demanding justice with the first of many protests. Ben Crumps, civil rights attorney, announces that he will be representing Floyd’s family. Soon after, the four officers involved in the accident are fired as an investigation is opened over the causes of Floyd’s death.

Wednesday, May 27: Violence breaks out After the first night of protest which culminated in some local shops looting (Target) and fires, the peaceful protests in Minneapolis turn violent. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, cops shoot rubber bullets and tear gas at the protestors. News reporters are also subjected to arrests and attacks from the police. Many are left injured, others are arrested. The frustration on social media grows higher.

Thursday, May 28: Devastation and National Guard The day after the second night of protest saw the community come together to heal the damages of the previous riots. In fact, many small and big businesses were vandalised and firefighters were still trying to control several blazes across the city. In support of the protesters, many other cities – such as New Jersey, Miami, Los Angeles, New York – join the demonstration as tensions escalate. The Minnesota National Guard is called in to re-establish order, likewise in the other participant cities.

Friday, May 29: Derek Chauvin’s arrest and strict curfews Derek Chauvin, the officer filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, is arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with a maximum of 35 years in prison. Floyd’s family, along with the supporters of the movement, call for first-degree murder charges and that the remaining three officers be arrested and charged as well. As the protests continue, flowers, letters and candles are left underneath a mural painted in honour of Floyd in Chicago. Many petitions are signed in aid to all the families who have lost a loved one by the hands of police. Meanwhile, entire communities in the US keep protesting, facing attacks from the police. The government issues the application of curfews to dozens of cities as the demonstrations feature both violence and looting. In an attempt to address the problem, President Donald Trump, sparks controversy after tweeting that ‘when the looting starts, the shooting starts.’

Saturday, May 31: The White House shuts off and Anonymous joins the protests Trump’s statements on both social media and press releases infuriate protestors who march towards the White House. Although thousands protest peacefully across the country, many recur to acts of vandalism and clashes with the police near the White House. Here for the first time in ages, the White House shuts its lights off. Meanwhile, Trump heads to a bunker, which he later reveals ‘needed a check’. On the Internet, Anonymous, a group of hackers known for its various cyber attacks against several governments, exposes some facts on the Trump-Epstein rape lawsuit. The group later posts a video in which they state: ‘We are anonymous. We are a legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.’

Monday, June the 1st: London joins the protest and the autopsy results are revealed After an independent autopsy, Floyd’s legal team states that his death was caused by asphyxia, thus confirming it as a homicide. The latest revelations, along with videos of police assaulting peaceful protesters shared on social media, spark attention to the rest of the world. In London, the marches start in Trafalgar Square with thousands of people showing their support to the Black Lives Matter movement. The protesters then gathered near the U.S. Embassy and in Downing Street with signs that state: ‘The UK is not innocent.’

Tuesday, June 2: The protest spread worldwide A week of protests goes by. Streets are turned into a battlefield as the police don’t hold back their attacks. In support of all the communities, cities from all over the world join the movement. Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires and many more march against police brutality and racism. People share their messages of solidarity on social media during the controversial .

Full video of John Boyega speech on Evening Standard

Wednesday, June 3: Hyde Park’s protest and all 4 officers charged In London, the demonstrations move to Hyde Park: here a huge crowd of thousands of people breaks lockdown restrictions to show their support to the BLM movement. Each one observes the two-metre distancing rule as they hold signs that say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘No Justice, No Peace’. Among them, actor John Boyega (Star Wars Trilogy) gives an emotional speech about George Floyd’s death. He, tearful, states: ‘We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd. I need you to understand how painful this s**t is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn’t the case anymore, that was never the case anymore.’ Boyega addresses the importance of securing a future for black families, ending his speech with a bold statement: ‘We can all join together to make this a better world. We can all join together to make this special.’ Later that day, the news report that the other three officers involved in the incident were charged for aiding in the second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Thursday, June 4: George Floyd’s funeral in Minneapolis The North Central University in Minneapolis holds Floyd’s memorial, filled with hope and calls for change. It is a national ceremony. At the funerals, besides Floyd’s family stand black personalities such as Martin Luther King III, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rev. Al Sharpton and actor Kevin Hart. Meanwhile, the rest of the country prays together, honouring his life in local memorials. Following these impactful events, the world is experiencing, once again, a revolution. With worldwide support, the possibilities of bringing a new reality are infinite. Change is essential to avoid remaking the same mistakes of the past.

Check out more photography on the Instagram account @zek.snaps

If you wish to join the movement and protest, there are peaceful protests planned in London on June 6th and 7th. Parliament Square, London on Saturday, June 6 at 1 pm and the US Embassy, London on Sunday, June 7 at 2 pm. In Manchester, there is a protest planned to kick start at 1 pm, on Saturday, June 6, in Piccadilly Gardens.

If you attend the protest you need to ensure your safety as we still have a pandemic out there. Before you go out to protest ensure you have done the following:

1. Wear a mask and Gloves.

2. Adhere to social distancing guidelines.

3. Pack a handy pair of goggles or any eye protection to protect from teargas.

4. Ensure you have a form of identification and emergency contact information.

Wear a mask and Gloves.

Adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Pack a handy pair of goggles or any eye protection to protect from teargas.

Ensure you have a form of identification and emergency contact information.

Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics By Katie Janes

The post The Impact of George Floyd: A Timeline of The Major Events Since His Death appeared first on Voir Fashion.

In the year 1963, at the height of the Civil rights movements in America, Dr Martin Luther King wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In 2020, 57 years later, the words have never rung more true.

In February, a young 25-year-old unarmed black man named Ahmaud Arbery goes jogging outside Brunswick, Georgia. While jogging, he is pursued by two white men in a pick-up truck who later shoot him. The pursuers who are father and son admit to the shooting but are not arrested or charged with any crime until May.

On the March 13th Breonna Taylor a 26-year-old EMT is shot eight times in her home, when Louisville Metro Police officers entered her house, as part of a drug investigation to apprehend a suspect who according to the lawsuit; filed against the police; was already in custody.

On the May 25th George Floyd a 46-year-old black man dies, pleading that he cannot breathe after a Minneapolis police officer kneels on his neck as a means of subduing him, reported for buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

These incidents are not new. These are acts of violence that have plagued racially marginalised communities and not only in America. You see what Dr Martin Luther King understood is that if we do not speak up against violence based on race, then we are part of the problem. The outrage after the video of the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of George Floyd life went viral has led to protests worldwide.

Fashion brands, beauty brands and public personalities have spoken up and against racial based violence. As Voir Fashion, a brand that celebrates diversity and showcases creativity, we cannot remain silent. Voir stands in solidarity with the black community in demanding Justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others.

So how can you do your part in the fight against racial discrimination and violence?

First, in regard to George Floyd, you can sign the petition here on Change.Org to reach Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to have all the officers involved in this disgusting situation fired and charged. You can also support his family by contributing to their GoFundMe account here.

Secondly, you need to protest. Let your voice be heard, be it on your social media or your immediate community, support movements like Black Lives Matter because to be silent is to be complicit.

Third, educate yourself, Nelson Mandela once said education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Here is a link to books that can educate you on systemic discrimination and how you can be an ally to the victims of oppression.

Words By Precious Njoki

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The post We Will Not Be Silent; Racism in America Leads to Worldwide Outrage appeared first on Voir Fashion.