To support the LGBTQI movement in the face of crises, GiveOut has launched the LGBTQI Emergency Fund.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown on a global scale that LGBTQI people are disproportionately affected in crises, a reality that is set to continue in the face of the climate emergency. Meanwhile, on every continent our communities continue to be targeted, simply for being who we are.
During emergencies, our communities around the world rely more than ever on the support – and protection – of LGBTQI organisations. And these organisations in turn rely on the support of our community globally.
Through GiveOut, our supporters have already provided emergency funding for the following vital work:
• The provision of humanitarian assistance to LGBTQI communities across five continents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In India, our supporters funded grants to SAATHII to distribute humanitarian relief to trans people, and to CLPR to use the courts to ensure that LGBTQI people were able access COVID-relief provided by the state.
• Rainbow Railroad's life-saving response to the situation in Afghanistan, which included the support and safe evacuation of dozens of LGBT+ Afghans.
• The Other Foundation's work to protect LGBTQI activists in Zambia, ensuring their security in the face of threats and attacks in the state media.
Donations can be made to the Emergency Fund at any time. GiveOut will pool the donations, putting aside funds to provide support when it is most needed. When one of our grant partners alerts us to an emergency and the need for support, we will be in a position to provide an emergency grant from the Fund, alongside the long-term support we already provide. We may also complement this grant with a fundraising appeal, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic and Afghanistan crisis.
The LGBTQI Emergency Fund provides an opportunity for our community and corporate allies to support the LGBTQI movement in the face of crises, coming together in solidarity for when our movement needs us most.
