5 Things to Know - 1/15/2026
1. Support trans girl scouts across the US by buying your favorite guilty pleasure cookies!
For many years, Girl Scouts have openly welcomed transgender and nonbinary youth as members. Five years ago, during a period of rising anti-trans legislation, Erin Reed began an effort to intentionally direct cookie purchases toward trans Girl Scouts using the organization’s online ordering system, which allows scouts to sell with added privacy. That first year, every participating scout met their goal, and each year since, the initiative has grown, surpassing previous sales, earning major media coverage, and helping sell over 50,000 boxes of cookies in 2025 alone.
Cookie season is here again, and we encourage you to consider buying from a trans Girl Scout this year to bring some joy during an especially difficult time. Those with a trans scout can also submit their scout’s information here to be included.
2. AFFA and AFFA Action's Upcoming Events
We have three AFFA and AFFA Action events coming up in the next few weeks that you are definitely going to want to mark on your calendar. Follow the links for more details!
SATURDAY, JAN. 17 - Lesbian Night at Bar Polari. Join us for drinks, dancing, and a chance to win 2 tickets to the AFFA Gala on March 14!
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 - How to Understand Legislative Session, virtual. Join AFFA Action for an online workshop designed to demystify the South Carolina legislative process.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - Advocacy 201: Power Mapping at Venture X and live-streamed. Join AFFA Action to learn the fundamentals of advocacy and practice power mapping to identify key decision-makers, understand influence, and plan more effective, strategic action.
3. SC Legislative Session 2026 has officially begun!
Follow AFFA Action, our 501(c)4 sister organization, for up-to-date information and activations surrounding anti-LGBTQ+ bills that are going before the SC Legislature this session.
AFFA Action is in the room where it happens, actively testifying against harmful bills, speaking to representatives, and empowering the community with quick and easy ways to push back against discrimination.
4. Next Grant Cycle Deadline: January 31!
The AFFA Small Grants Program provides funding for programming, organizational support, and initiatives that improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth. We support grassroots nonprofits across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia who are driving social change through intersectional, youth-centered, and justice-oriented work.
If this sounds like your organization, please submit your application here!
All completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the listed deadlines to be considered for that cycle. Applications will be reviewed promptly, and notifications will be sent within approximately 6–8 weeks following each deadline.
5. We Are Family - Youth Ambassador Program
Our partners at We Are Family (WAF) are launching their inaugural Youth Ambassador Program, a 6-month, paid opportunity for young people ages 15–24 in the Charleston, SC area to build leadership skills and help create positive community change.
The program centers and uplifts the voices of Trans and BIPOC youth, offering financial incentives and additional benefits. Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity widely and help connect eligible youth with this new initiative. Check out program details and the application here.
The deadline to apply is January 20th, 2026!
