about third eye
Third Eye Consulting and Innovations Firm specializes in offering comprehensive consulting services tailored to nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking to thrive within the nonprofit sector. Our expertise is rooted in enhancing leadership development skills, fostering creative visions, and achieving transformative goals and outcomes.
At Third Eye Consulting and Innovations Firm, we are committed to helping you not only envision but also execute your nonprofit goals. Whether you're an aspiring nonprofit leader or an established organization, we provide the actionable guidance and expertise you need to thrive in the nonprofit sector. Let's collaborate to make your nonprofit journey a successful and impactful one.
about Verniss McFarland III
Verniss McFarland, III (pronouns: Verniss, She, They) is a gender-nonconforming-trans-identifying person from Houston, Texas, who has been active in the community for more than 17 years, starting as a student volunteer for HISD and HIV resource navigator. Born in the South Park community, Verniss always had a passion for community togetherness, revitalization, volunteerism, and culture, starting in elementary school and evolving as they continued to mature and develop a better understanding of building a sustainable future in the community.
In the Spring of 2017, Verniss founded The Mahogany Project (TMP, Inc.) in Houston, TX, sparked after the death of Chyna Gibson, a trans-experienced Black woman who slanged in New Orleans on February 25, 2017. TMP inc. aims to reduce social isolation, stigma, and acts of injustice in TQLGB+ communities of color.
Currently, Verniss is working to end stigma aimed at BIPOC folx of TGNCNB experience in Texas through The Mahogany Project, The Mahogany Center (the first Black trans-led and founded physical space in Houston), and Coalition for Trans Liberation, combating anti-transgender policy and working to mobilize the community.
Media
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How Drag Culture and Black History Are Deeply Intertwined
In this episode of The Switch Up, advocates from the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and The Mahogany Project explain how Black drag performers have influenced the broader culture for decades; while performers like D.C.’s Blaq Dynamite express how the growing limitations impact their ability to entertain.
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@HIVgov on Instagram
HRC estimates that there are more than 2 million transgender (trans) people in the U.S. And despite the efforts of community members & allies, many members of the trans community continue to face discrimination and experience stigma and systemic inequality—including in health outcomes.
Hear from members of the HRC Transgender Justice Initiative’s (TJI) Activate & Elevate programs about how the TJI helps advance the leadership skills of Black, Hispanic, and Latino/Latina trans people across the U.S., aligning with #NHAS objectives and bringing us closer to #endingHIVepidemic.
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Drag show hosts sue state officials over performance restrictions
Critics of the law argue that drag shows are being sensationalized and negatively portrayed for political points. Drag shows are "a creative outlet to those who have endured life's adversities, systematic oppression, and denial of our nation's inalienable rights," said Verniss McFarland III, founder and executive director of The Mahogany Project, an advocacy group for queer people of color.
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Meet Verniss McFarland III
“As a Black gender-nonconforming trans-identifying person living in a Republican state and the bible-belt South, leading a transgender-led organization hasn’t been easy. There have been many obstacles to overcome, lessons to learn and unlearn, passions to develop, and ways to see and be in the world. It took a lot of life experience, including literally falling on my face, to get here.”
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'At Home With': Verniss McFarland III on Showing Up for the Trans Community and The Mahogany Project
In a recent At Home With conversation on Instagram for TheBody, Verniss and I talked about their motivation for founding The Mahogany Project, the need for safe spaces for TQLGB+ people, addressing mental health issues, and showing up for the trans community.
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Despite ongoing debate over transgender rights, Black and brown leaders continue to care for Houston’s trans communities
“I’ve been working within trans communities for the last four years, and in that time I’ve watched Texas become the trans murder capital of the United States. I’ve watched year over year a record number of trans individuals being killed, and most of them being Black women,” said Verniss McFarland, founder of The Mahogany Project.
“I’ve watched politicians take personal attacks against trans youth, trans individuals and other gender-expansive individuals as it relates to health care, housing, jobs and just basic civil liberties,” McFarland said.