Austin has given a nonprofit $470,000 in hotel tax money to run programs that white people and men can't apply to. Torch Literary Arts exists, by its own charter, to advance black women writers. Its magazine takes submissions from black women, its workshops and writing circle are limited to “BIPOC” women, its flagship retreat is a free week at a boutique Austin hotel with a $1,000 stipend, open to black women only. The City money comes from Thrive, a grant program City Council created to correct the "cultural erasure of vulnerable communities." In 2024, government grants made up roughly half of Torch's revenue. Then Torch went back to the City and asked for a path to a $1 million annual budget and permanent space, citing gentrification and displacement. Texas law says hotel tax money has to be spent promoting tourism, and Austin's own grant rules say funded activities must be open to the public. But the retreat takes black women only... the magazine takes black women only... the workshops take “BIPOC” women only Next week the Council will give another $1,000 or so in fees for Torch's anniversary gala.