J. (Lesbian Refugee) needs a Car
Donation protected
Supporting Rent and a Motor Car for J (LGBTIQ+ refugee)
We are seeking a GoFundMe on behalf of J an LGBTIQ+ refugee from Kenya.
Kenya criminalises LGBTIQ+ people, with cultural, political and religious attitudes that historically support violence and/or ‘turning a blind eye’ about violence towards LGBTIQ+ people.
Six years ago J fled the violent abuse towards her, including death threats, as well as her mother and sister being both physically beaten. She also had two friends who were “found dead”. J arrived in Australia, and for over five years has been going through the process of residency – she has a bridging visa, and waits for permanency – “decision pending”. This visa does not allow her to access government income support, so when she lost most of her work this year, she has struggled to pay rent, buy food, etc.
J was then evicted from her own unit, and now shares with other refugees and students - and therefore cannot be “out”.
J’s car (a bomb) then blew up (head gasket etc), so she is without a vehicle, adding to her precarious state. Gaining employment as a Support Worker requires a car. Public transport is difficult for J to negotiate and not just for practical reasons.
GoFundMe GOALS
· Support purchase of a motor car probably about $5,000 to $6,000
· Support of rent until employment secured
· Applications for employment (underway once the car is purchased)
BACKGROUND From a referenced brief paper we wrote last year….
Traditional social and religious attitudes play a significant role in perpetuating homophobia and transphobia in Kenya where 90% of the population believe that homosexuality should not to be accepted by society (Pew Research 2019). LGBTIQ+ persons in Kenya are at risk of harassment and abuse by police (Kenya Human Rights Commission, 2012). Beatings and ‘extra-judicial’ killings asserted to be done by police, are at times justified as a warning to “criminals”, thereby receiving acceptance from a community who vilifies LGBTIQ people (Medi, 2018). About one third of religious leaders interviewed (31.7%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “In the case of homosexuality, violence helps to protect our cultural values” (Mbote et al 2016).
Kenya’s laws are clear that homosexual activity between consenting adults is illegal; LGBTIQ+ people may experience “violence, arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and torture” (Hutt 2018). Kenya’s High Court on May 24, 2019 upheld laws criminalizing homosexual acts between consenting adults, a step backward in the progress Kenya has made toward equality (Human Rights Watch New York 2019).
At a practical level, local groups GALCK (Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya), and Rainbow Women of Kenya (RWOK) and “All Out” are unable to help individuals due to scant resources, and instead focus on legislative change.
NB
We did hold a GoFundMe for J. about 15 months ago – wanting to contribute to her undertaking the Enrolled Nurses Course (for someone on a Bridging Visa, the cost was between $20,000 and $30,000). We collected about $2,500 – which we then kept in a bank account for J. J. continued to work full time.
Then came Coronavirus - J virtually lost her job and was evicted earlier this year. We put this money towards her rent – someone cannot speculate a future career without food and rent.
If we are fortunate to make money from this GoFundMe, all the money will go towards the Motor Car – and if any money is leftover, we will hold this money again for possible further study. You can phone me (Molly 0481 098 339) if you would like to talk about this further.
We are seeking a GoFundMe on behalf of J an LGBTIQ+ refugee from Kenya.
Kenya criminalises LGBTIQ+ people, with cultural, political and religious attitudes that historically support violence and/or ‘turning a blind eye’ about violence towards LGBTIQ+ people.
Six years ago J fled the violent abuse towards her, including death threats, as well as her mother and sister being both physically beaten. She also had two friends who were “found dead”. J arrived in Australia, and for over five years has been going through the process of residency – she has a bridging visa, and waits for permanency – “decision pending”. This visa does not allow her to access government income support, so when she lost most of her work this year, she has struggled to pay rent, buy food, etc.
J was then evicted from her own unit, and now shares with other refugees and students - and therefore cannot be “out”.
J’s car (a bomb) then blew up (head gasket etc), so she is without a vehicle, adding to her precarious state. Gaining employment as a Support Worker requires a car. Public transport is difficult for J to negotiate and not just for practical reasons.
GoFundMe GOALS
· Support purchase of a motor car probably about $5,000 to $6,000
· Support of rent until employment secured
· Applications for employment (underway once the car is purchased)
BACKGROUND From a referenced brief paper we wrote last year….
Traditional social and religious attitudes play a significant role in perpetuating homophobia and transphobia in Kenya where 90% of the population believe that homosexuality should not to be accepted by society (Pew Research 2019). LGBTIQ+ persons in Kenya are at risk of harassment and abuse by police (Kenya Human Rights Commission, 2012). Beatings and ‘extra-judicial’ killings asserted to be done by police, are at times justified as a warning to “criminals”, thereby receiving acceptance from a community who vilifies LGBTIQ people (Medi, 2018). About one third of religious leaders interviewed (31.7%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “In the case of homosexuality, violence helps to protect our cultural values” (Mbote et al 2016).
Kenya’s laws are clear that homosexual activity between consenting adults is illegal; LGBTIQ+ people may experience “violence, arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and torture” (Hutt 2018). Kenya’s High Court on May 24, 2019 upheld laws criminalizing homosexual acts between consenting adults, a step backward in the progress Kenya has made toward equality (Human Rights Watch New York 2019).
At a practical level, local groups GALCK (Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya), and Rainbow Women of Kenya (RWOK) and “All Out” are unable to help individuals due to scant resources, and instead focus on legislative change.
NB
We did hold a GoFundMe for J. about 15 months ago – wanting to contribute to her undertaking the Enrolled Nurses Course (for someone on a Bridging Visa, the cost was between $20,000 and $30,000). We collected about $2,500 – which we then kept in a bank account for J. J. continued to work full time.
Then came Coronavirus - J virtually lost her job and was evicted earlier this year. We put this money towards her rent – someone cannot speculate a future career without food and rent.
If we are fortunate to make money from this GoFundMe, all the money will go towards the Motor Car – and if any money is leftover, we will hold this money again for possible further study. You can phone me (Molly 0481 098 339) if you would like to talk about this further.
Organizer
Molly Claire
Organizer
Littlehampton SA
