Support Frank Qum and LGBTQ Refugees in Sudan

Hello, my name is Benji. I was reached out to about two weeks ago by Frank Qum, who is currently in a refugee camp in Sudan with her sister.

They were hungry and in need and I gave what I could to help them, but unfortunately the situation is dire and they cannot live on my help alone.

Recently, their situation has worsened. Here is how it was explained to me by Qum.

Today we have a meeting by both the government and the UNHCR but sadly they gave us a period of 10 days to evacuate Gorom refugee camp. It was stated by the government official and didn't leave us the same. Me and my fellows raised the reasons why we can't be separated and why we can't go anywhere to live individually which even made the UNHCR representative cry seeing our painful situation but it didn't help.

According to UNHCR they say that they have tried everything but it's because of Trump's decision that we are in this horrible situation.

The government official stated that if the tenth day arrives without our evacuation we will have to go to prison and then our cases will be counciled because we will have to go to the court and explain ourselves and why we are in South Sudan with our sex orientation that is not allowed. We used to write emails to where we expect help but we were warned not to write any emails because we won't get helped.

currently they are trying to find a place to live in Juba, but do not know how they will make rent or when they will hear back about their emigration process.

Ultimately they aim to be able to leave Sudan, to get to a safer place and be able to work and earn a living.

They have already had their resettlement interview and Frank Qum is hopeful that this turbulence in their lives will pass.

Gofundme is an American company and a United States address is needed to start a fundraiser, therefore I am stepping in as their US friend and running this account. All of the money raised will be passed directly from me to Frank Qum and spent on food, bedding, medical treatment and hygiene products.

below is a message she sent me to include here as her mission statement.

Dear friends

I am Frank Qum an LGBTQ person in a sudan refugee camp. I and my fellow LGBTQ refugees face a lot of challenges including homophobia, hunger, lack of medication, lack of bedding and so many other challenges.

We are aiming at raising 5,000 USD to cover all those expenses so that LGBTQ people can get essential necessities like pads, food, medication and bedding so that they aren’t pressured into prostitution. Anything you can give will be of much help towards our survival however small it may be.

We thank you for standing with us in this horrible and traumatizing situation.

yours faithfully

Frank Qum.