Mala Nagarajan’s parents give her hope the world can change. In the mid-1960’s, they immigrated to the United States from India, bringing traditional Indian, Hindu, Brahmin values and their dreams of providing sufficient dowries for their three daughters’ arranged marriages.

Twenty-five years ago, her father exiled his oldest daughter when he disapproved of her marriage. Today he condemns conservative forces who try to legislate against his lesbian daughter and Vega, her wife.

The Social Justice Fund believes that lasting change requires us to transform the dominant culture from the ground up by encouraging diverse forms of expression. We recognize that the creative power of arts and culture, especially among historically oppressed people, can be a catalyst for transformative action. Our Cultural Grants Program aims to encourage grassroots organizations to use culture and the arts to achieve these goals.