Support the Work. Fuel the Change.

Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-led mutual aid, safety, and advocacy across Washington State.

There are many ways to support DAPS — whether you’re donating once, giving monthly, or launching your own fundraiser, you’re helping us build a world where all of us are safe, seen, and supported.

Your gift is tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly back into the community — not overhead or salaries.

🔗 Direct Donations

You can contribute to DAPS using:

🎯 Choose a Campaign

Target your impact by supporting a campaign that aligns with your values:

🔥 Fund the Movement, Fuel the Change

This year’s core campaign directly powers our community safety, mutual aid, and policy advocacy. Your support funds:

  • SOOP’s life-saving medical and security teams
  • HRT kit distribution
  • Food and hygiene support
  • Legislative wins protecting LGBTQIA+ and worker rights

This is how we stay resourced to show up year-round — on the frontlines, not just at parades.

🛡️ SOOP: Securing Our Own People

Community-led safety and care. No cops. No compromise.

SOOP (Securing Our Own People) is a trans-led, BIPOC-centered security and medical team that provides non-police safety services at community events, protests, and Pride festivals across Washington State.

Built in response to the violence marginalized communities face from law enforcement, SOOP replaces harmful systems with trauma-informed, abolitionist care rooted in trust and accountability.

Our trained volunteers offer:

  • On-site de-escalation & harm reduction
  • Basic medical & mental health first aid
  • Crisis support without involving police
  • Accessibility & mobility assistance

Since 2018, SOOP has supported over 200,000 people. We honor the legacy of Pride as a protest against police brutality — and we show up to keep our people safe, on our terms.

Donations power this work. Help us train teams, maintain gear, and expand safe zones statewide.
Because no one keeps us safe like community does.

FUNDRAISERS

$31 FOR 31st (TDOV)

Trans Day of Visibility is coming.

And visibility has never been free.

It costs safety.

It costs energy.

It costs people their lives.

So this week, we’re asking our community to show up in a tangible way:

💗 Donate $31 in honor of March 31

💗 Help us keep showing up, protecting, and supporting our community

💗 Be part of something visible, real, and collective

If $31 isn’t accessible, give what you can.

If you can give more, help carry someone else.

This isn’t just a donation.

It’s a statement.

We are still here.

We are still visible.

And we are not doing this alone.

Fundraiser Partner: Nerdwax Candle Co.

🕯️ Fandom Flames for a Cause – Nerdwax Candle Co. x DAPS

Light a candle, light up lives. This summer, we’re teaming up with Nerdwax Candle Co.—a queer- and Asian-owned small business based in Seattle—for a fundraiser that’s all heart and all heat. 15% of every candle sale goes directly to DAPS, fueling mutual aid and trans-led care across Washington State.

🧑‍🔬 Meet the Maker

Michel Paves, the “Chief Nerd” behind Nerdwax Candle Co., hand-pours every candle with nostalgia, humor, and high-quality soy wax. Their candles are inspired by retro media, queer memories, and cozy geek culture—perfect for your altar, nightstand, or Netflix binge zone.

🕯️ Pick Your Flame

📺 TV Glow Duo
Two 10oz candles glowing with late-night vibes and soft-screen scent stories.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/TV-Glow-Duo

🎶 The Pink Opaque / Hot Plastic / Sweet Vinyl / A Clean Flannel
Four 10oz scent choices. Think indie records, thrift finds, and clean cotton.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/Pink-Opaque

🌌 Escape the Midnight Realm
Soda pop, otherworldly smoke, and vetiver—like a glam rock DnD campaign.
👉 nerdwaxcandle.com/shop/Midnight-Realm

💸 Why It Matters

  • 15% of each purchase goes to DAPS (Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound)
  • Supports mutual aid and gender-affirming community care
  • Elevates queer- and Asian-owned small biz with every scent you spark

🤝 Partner With Us — Pride and Beyond

Our Pride Season runs June through September, with major program focus in:

  • Pierce County in July
  • Redmond in August (including full support for Redmond Pride through SOOP)

But our work doesn’t stop when the summer ends.

We partner year-round with organizations, businesses, and mutual aid collectives.
Some of our biggest collaboration months are:

  • November, for Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
  • March, for Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) and spring safety activations

Whether you’re looking to co-table, donate proceeds, or create something together, we’re here for it — and our team is ready to build with you.

Let’s make impact in real time.

Contact our board
📧 info@diversityallianceofthepugetsound.org

Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound is a transgender and gender diverse social service organization, founded in 2004.

Support, advocacy, and community action.