LOS ANGELES — BIPOC-AIC has opened the application process for its new microgrant program for the month of October. The group has also secured sponsorships with Trouble Films and Blue Pearl Therapy to continue its free "Wednesday Wellness" programming.
BIPOC-AIC — the Black, Indigenous and People of Color Adult Industry Collective — launched the microgrant program last month to assist BIPOC performers and content creators in financial need, particularly those dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The application period opens today and runs through October 10. "All BIPOC sex workers who have worked in any NSFW visual media — camming, content creation, mainstream, indie, clips and phone sex — for at least one year are encouraged to apply to receive financial assistance," a rep explained. The program "gives out three $500 grants per month thanks to the generosity of online donations and its educational and wellness programming. Microgrant distribution takes place on the 15th of each month."
In collaboration with Blue Pearl Therapy, the group will offer a stress management support group for BIPOC sex workers every Wednesday at 4 p.m. (PDT).
The support group, titled "Wednesday Wellness 'Stress Less' Support Group Series," was created in response to a poll of performers who desired "emotional and practical support with the unique stressors associated with being a BIPOC content creator during these unprecedented times," said the rep.
"Performers are experiencing high levels of stress related to changes in working conditions due to COVID, the collective trauma of being Black and brown people during this volatile time, and the day-to-day stigmatization associated with sex work," said Jasmine Johnson, Wellness Committee Chair and licensed psychotherapist at Blue Pearl Therapy. "As a collective, we want to be able to support one another in a very comprehensive way, and this series will begin to meet that need."
Immediately following the Wednesday support group, "attendees, allies and others are invited to join BIPOC-AIC for restorative yoga classes sponsored by Trouble Films," noted the rep.
"I am a lifelong yoga person," said Trouble Films principal Courtney Trouble. "I hope this series brings a lot of joy and strength to those who attend, while bringing awareness to the amazing work that the BIPOC-AIC is doing."
"BIPOC-AIC's culturally sensitive, restorative yoga includes a clothing-optional class during October," the rep said.
Reserve a spot for the support group and yoga classes, as well as other upcoming events, on Eventbrite.
Find additional information, including the microgrant application, at BIPOC-Collective.org and follow the group on Twitter and AllMyLinks.
Direct inquiries to info@bipoc-collective.org.