Ben Francisco Maulbeck
Why, you might ask, is Ben Francisco Maulbeck, a (mostly) cisgender gay Puerto Rican man, giving to a feminist foundation? I'm so glad you asked. I have not one but three reasons!
1) Because I believe that feminism is essential to liberation for all of us.
Going back to that dystopian period of life known as middle school, my earliest experiences with human cruelty were due not so much to homophobia as to sexism and transphobia. I was called a faggot because I was expressive of my feelings in a way that was expected of girls but forbidden of boys. I was physically harassed by my peers because my manner was too gentle, my tone of voice too soft.
I believe in Third Wave Fund, because it supports inspiring young leaders fighting for all our liberation, for a world where no one's dreams will be shackled by their assigned gender.
2) Because I believe in the power of grassroots philanthropy.
My first experience with philanthropy was in the Catholic community that my family was part of, and my first job was at a community foundation. In both cases, I saw how powerful it is when a group of people comes together to build resources to make change for our communities.
Third Wave is bringing together an intergenerational, multiracial community of donors united by our belief in a transformational movement for gender justice. THAT is something I want to be part of.
3) Because I believe in Rye.
Those of us in the philanthropy biz often say that, ultimately, people give to people, to leaders we believe in. I know that's true in my own personal giving. From the moment I met Rye Young, I was blown away by his insightful analysis, his capacity to connect with others in an authentic way, and his visionary leadership. And I've only become more impressed with him these past few months as he's stepped into his new role as the Director of the Third Wave Fund—making him one of the first transgender leaders to hold an executive role in philanthropy.
I am confident that Rye is the perfect person to build Third Wave into a bold, trailblazing philanthropy for gender justice, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to support his vision and leadership.
If, like me, you believe that LGBTQ liberation and gender justice are one and the same, I hope that you'll join me in making a donation to the Third Wave Fund.
1) Because I believe that feminism is essential to liberation for all of us.
Going back to that dystopian period of life known as middle school, my earliest experiences with human cruelty were due not so much to homophobia as to sexism and transphobia. I was called a faggot because I was expressive of my feelings in a way that was expected of girls but forbidden of boys. I was physically harassed by my peers because my manner was too gentle, my tone of voice too soft.
I believe in Third Wave Fund, because it supports inspiring young leaders fighting for all our liberation, for a world where no one's dreams will be shackled by their assigned gender.
2) Because I believe in the power of grassroots philanthropy.
My first experience with philanthropy was in the Catholic community that my family was part of, and my first job was at a community foundation. In both cases, I saw how powerful it is when a group of people comes together to build resources to make change for our communities.
Third Wave is bringing together an intergenerational, multiracial community of donors united by our belief in a transformational movement for gender justice. THAT is something I want to be part of.
3) Because I believe in Rye.
Those of us in the philanthropy biz often say that, ultimately, people give to people, to leaders we believe in. I know that's true in my own personal giving. From the moment I met Rye Young, I was blown away by his insightful analysis, his capacity to connect with others in an authentic way, and his visionary leadership. And I've only become more impressed with him these past few months as he's stepped into his new role as the Director of the Third Wave Fund—making him one of the first transgender leaders to hold an executive role in philanthropy.
I am confident that Rye is the perfect person to build Third Wave into a bold, trailblazing philanthropy for gender justice, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to support his vision and leadership.
If, like me, you believe that LGBTQ liberation and gender justice are one and the same, I hope that you'll join me in making a donation to the Third Wave Fund.