Stand with South Sudan LGBTQ Refugees Facing Adversity

Hi, I’m Suubi, a student activist in Boston! When Abraham, a Ugandan LGBTQ+ refugee in South Sudan, reached out to the internet for support, I immediately resonated with his story. As a fellow Ugandan LGBTQ+ individual, I felt the call to action to support him however I could. This fundraiser is in honor of him and the rest of the LGBTQ+ community at the refugee camp he resides at, with me sending all the proceeds to them as an ambassador and supporter for them in the States.

The following is a message from Abraham, on behalf of his community.

Dear Supporters, Allies, and Donors,

Warm greetings to you all. We trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits.

The Queer Family extends our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. Your compassion and support provide hope and strength to individuals who have endured unimaginable suffering, including persecution, discrimination, violence, and, in some cases, brutal assaults, torture, and the exploitation of our lesbian sisters in refugee camps.

We now humbly reach out to you, seeking your generous contributions to aid LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers striving to rebuild their lives amidst these adversities.

Many among us fled our home countries to escape oppressive regimes, severe discrimination, and the constant threat of harm due to our sexual orientation or gender identity. While some have managed to reach neighboring countries and are undergoing the lengthy asylum and resettlement process, others remain stranded in Kenya, struggling to meet even their most basic needs.

These asylum seekers and refugees face extraordinary challenges:

- Discrimination that restricts their access to employment, education, and healthcare.

- Homophobia and transphobia that force many into hiding, even in supposed places of safety.

- Barriers to legal support for their asylum claims, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected.

- Inadequate shelter, food, and medical care, leading to deteriorating health and despair.

Our Appeal:

We are urgently fundraising to address these critical needs:

1. Emergency food and water supplies to sustain daily survival.

Food and water for the whole community costs about $4,000 a month.

2. Temporary safe shelters for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution or violence.

We typically construct tents using tarpaulins and other materials, costing $270 each, including labor and materials. Each tent can accommodate around 8-10 people. To address the urgent demand, we need approximately 18 tents, which totals $4,860.

Additionally, we may need to rent houses for those requiring more secure or immediate shelter. The cost of renting a house per month is about $100, depending on the size and location. 10-15 individuals leads to this costing $1000.

3. Medical assistance and trauma care for those recovering from abuse or health issues.

Basic medical checkups, emergency treatments, and counseling services vary. A single consultation with a local doctor or counselor costs around $25-50. For 50 groups, each with 8 community members, this would require $2500.

4. Sanitary facilities and essentials to uphold dignity and health, especially for our most vulnerable members.

These include soap, menstrual products, diapers, and hygiene kits. A single hygiene kit costs $10, and providing for 50 groups (8 community members per group) monthly would require about $500.

5. Legal aid and advocacy to support asylum seekers navigating complex legal systems.

In the case of an emergency, like one of our LGBTQ+ community members being arrested because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, this demands immediate costs like paying legal fees to the police and access to legal aids. Though we do our best to stay low profile, these emergencies are often unavoidable and having $2000 in funds on hand is needed to handle these urgent situations quickly.

We also aim to build a sustainable support network for LGBTQ+ refugees, ensuring that no one has to face these challenges alone. For those awaiting resettlement, your contributions are a lifeline, bridging the gap between desperation and hope.

We will provide monthly updates with photo proof of purchases and other documentation showing the tangible impact your donations have on our lives and well-being at the refugee camp.

We envision a world where every LGBTQ+ refugee and asylum seeker can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. Your generosity can help us take one step closer to this dream, providing tangible assistance and a message of love and solidarity to those who need it most.

How You Can Help:

- Donate to our GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate relief.

- Share this message with your friends, family, and networks to amplify our appeal.

- Advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring our voices are heard globally.

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a massive difference. Together, we can combat discrimination, support the journey to safety, and empower LGBTQ+ refugees to embrace their true selves without fear.

On behalf of the entire LGBTQ+ Refugee and Asylum-seeking community, we extend our deepest gratitude for your compassion, advocacy, and belief in the power of change.

With sincere thanks,

Suubi, Abraham, and the LGBTQ+ community in South Sudan