Lgbtq Refugees fleeing Russia

Their Story:

Harry and Jen met in Siberia, Russia in 2019 and moved to St. Petersburg together in March of 2020. They lived there for 2 years until Russia decided to go to war with Ukraine. After realizing moving to Georgia was the only option, they fled Russia and came to Tbilisi. Moving to Georgia was the only option because they are the only country that borders Russia that does not require a visa to visit. Harry and Jen have been in Tbilisi for 2 years now. Due to the country's laws they must leave the country after 365 days, so in order to live there they have had to leave the country twice to restart the count. This is a temporary solution and they have been working on a more permanent solution.

After leaving Russia initially they were required to be drafted when the country took up arms against Ukraine. For failing to comply and fleeing they could be imprisoned or worse if they were to return. More recently in Russia being LGBTQ has become illegal and Harry and Jen could also be imprisoned for this as well if they were to return.

Harry and Jen have chosen a path that will allow them to eventually emigrate to a new country that will let them get new passports within 5 years if they are successful. They are not able to travel freely due to having Russian passports. This new path is filled with challenges and things change occasionally but they cannot give as much details as some things may not always be allowed. This is the paths they are forced to take as unwilling spectators in their countries war, and policies.

The only thing Harry and Jen want is a stable life and somewhere they can call home that will accept them as they are. Currently they are not treated fairly in Georgia because of their heritage, but even more because Georgians do not see gay people in a good light. There is deep hate and prejudice for them, so Georgia cannot be a real home.

The Next Step:

The plan currently is to fly to Madrid in early August or September, it will be costly and a struggle for them to be able to raise funds without help! A lot of things need to be prepared for such as travel and accommodations, food and more.

These next few months will be important to try to gather help and spread the word, if you are able to send this to friends or others you know who can help spread the message please copy this fundraiser link!

I have tried my best to tell their story in the easiest way to understand but if you have questions please feel free to reach out! Harry and Jen are like family to me and I would do anything for them if I could. Your donations mean the world to them and help their cause and keep them moving on their journey, any amount is a blessing, thank you for your help and kindness!