“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another,” 1987 novel Beloved. - Toni Morrison
Our Work:
C.O.T.T.O.N. builds a liberated ecosystem for Black queer and trans people in the Bay Area by combining political education, community protection, cultural memory, and the creation of intentional third spaces. Our work connects historic West Coast Black movements to the current fight against anti-Blackness and anti-LGBT violence, displacement, and erasure. We operate from a Black queer, trans-feminist politic that prioritizes the people living at the margins of the margins.
We focus on moving our community from mutual aid to red aid — not charity, but solidarity, survival, resistance, and the redistribution of resources and power.
Our work is practiced through:
Community Defense & Red Aid
Third Spaces & Cultural Belonging
Political Education & Historical Restoration
Organizing & Campaign Building
Leadership Development
PROGRAMS
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![A flag with a raised fist symbol in the center, against a rainbow background representing LGBTQ+ pride.]()
The Black LGBTQ+ Sexual Health & Healing Hub
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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![An older man and a woman sitting together indoors, smiling and engaging in conversation.]()
NAVIGATE • Health, Housing, Community Stabilization & Case Management
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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![Modern building with wooden exterior walls and a large glass window, surrounded by yellow vegetation, with mountains in the background.]()
ORGANIZE • Advocacy, Community Defense & Leadership
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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![Modern house with wooden exterior and large glass windows, stone pathway in foreground, grassy landscaping, mountains in background.]()
NAVIGATE • Health, Housing & Community Stabilization
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Make it stand out.
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![A woman with curly hair wearing glasses, hoop earrings, and a striped shirt, smiling indoors.]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Laurie Payton
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![A man with dark curly hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a black sweater, sitting indoors with a neutral background and a plant in the distance.]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Jamie Kokot
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![A young Asian woman with short black hair, smiling and showing her teeth, in a green indoor setting with plants.]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Lindsey Beumer
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![A man with curly dark hair, wearing clear glasses, a nose ring, and a dark green sweater, sitting in a room with a white wall and a blurred plant in the background.]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Keith Finley
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Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!