Our Origin Story
Avril Heals started as a nonprofit branch of a for-profit start-up for sexual assault survivors. The co-founders both worked closely with Exene Avril, a brown nonbinary survivor, who was deeply passionate about making healing spaces as accessible and inclusive as possible. When Exene died by suicide, we separated from the start-up and rebuilt the nonprofit from the ground up.
Research has shown that queer people of color experience higher stress and fewer feelings of community belonging than their white counterparts. Additionally, these populations have historically had less access to healing options. With this intersectional understanding, and being the demographic ourselves that we seek to serve, we hold two types of creative spaces: holistic arts community groups, and skill sharing workshops.
Above all, these spaces aim to foster community and center those impacted by race and gender based trauma.
We hope our work, the spaces that we create, and the love we lead with, honor Exene and other trauma survivors of color, like ourselves.
Avril Heals acknowledges that what is now known as ‘Los Angeles' was stolen from the Tongva people.
While most of our services are virtual, our organization is based on Gabrieliño Tongva Land.
Although often referred to as atrocities of the past, Indigenous peoples’ lands continue to be seized, and their communities marginalized.
We encourage everyone to educate themselves and reflect on how the history of colonialism is continued today—and how we can reject patterns of that history by centering Indigenous voices, stories, perspectives.
Avril Heals stands in solidarity with local indigenous communities & seeks to operate in a way that prioritizes Indigenous peoples.
Gabrielino Tongva Band of Mission Indians // Mapping Indigenous L.A. // Native Land Digital Map
Make a donation.
Avril Heals is a grassroots organization that creates spaces intended to foster community, healing, joy and support. We center individuals who’ve been impacted by race and/or gender based trauma.
Your donation allows Avril Heals to create and facilitate free workshops and community groups for survivors.
