My name is Ivan Kakonge, and I am a human rights defender and community organizer working closely with Black queer individuals who are often left without safety, protection, or access to basic support.

Through my work and lived experience, I have witnessed how many Black queer people—especially those facing displacement, violence, or economic hardship—are forced into survival situations with nowhere to turn. Some are fleeing unsafe environments, others are struggling with homelessness, isolation, or lack of access to food, shelter, and emergency care.

In response to this urgent need, I helped initiate the Ubuntu Queer Safety Fund, a community-led effort grounded in the values of Ubuntu: dignity, humanity, and solidarity. Ubuntu teaches us that “I am because we are,” and this principle guides everything we do.

The Ubuntu Queer Safety Fund is not a formal institution. It is a grassroots, trust-based initiative working directly with community networks to provide urgent, direct assistance where it is needed most. This includes emergency shelter support, basic survival needs such as food and hygiene items, crisis response, and short-term safety assistance for individuals at immediate risk.

We are currently setting up this GoFundMe to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and consistently. Every contribution will go directly toward supporting Black queer individuals in crisis—people who are often excluded from traditional funding systems and formal support structures.

This is more than charity. It is about survival, dignity, and restoring safety to those who are too often left behind.

We are asking for your solidarity and support to help us continue this life-saving community work.