Emergency funds for LGBTQ refugees in Uganda
Fundraising campaign by
Nina Poletti
-
US$781.00raised of $2,500.00 goal goal
No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities
Campaign Story
Angels Refugee Support Group Association (ARSGA) was established by a proactive group of young refugees who have fled persecutions due to their sexual orientation in their respective countries of origin (Burundi, Rwanda and DRC) towards the republic of Uganda where they hoped to find greater safety and freedom. However, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and they are faced with new challenges - arbitrary arrests, discrimination, corrective rape, kidnapping, robbery, stigma, homophobia, harassment and bullying. ARSGA identified more than 200 LGBTQ refugees living in the capital, Kampala, and refugee camps in various locations around Uganda. The organization provides these refugees with services depending on their unique situations.
The legal and social marginalization experienced by these refugees results in many violations of LGBTQ persons’ liberty and threats to their safety. Since the beginning of this year, we have already seen three people arbitrarily arrested for being LGBTQ. Another two members were brutally attacked by a gang of 10 homophobic neighbours in Kampala. One of them had his jaw shattered and had to get a surgery to insert a metal to his jaw. HIV prevention drugs and equipment are always necessary part of the work with LGBTQs and female sex workers. The general economic situation for refugees in Uganda is decreasing rapidly, and LGBTQ persons suffer the most. Many members reported that they pass many days without being able to obtain any food.
Our last crowdfunding campaign was a great success and we have stopped the eviction of ARSGA’s Safe Space and office. Now it is time to think forwards! We must make sure we have enough funds to efficiently treat any emergency that might emerge. We also must start providing one hot meal a day to all members in need.
Funding of 2,500 USD is the estimated amount needed to allow ARSGA to support members through their hardest moments efficiently and in real time, as well as ensure that all members receive the minimal proper nutrition.
Thank you for your help!
Fundraising Team
- Nina Poletti
- Campaign Manager
- Noga Shanee
- On the ground project coordinator
I am a revolutionary with a PHD in Political Ecology. I have years of conservation and social activism experience.
I am a revolutionary with a PHD in Political Ecology. I have years of conservation and social activism experience.
- Cenix Callejo Garcia
- Campaigner
- Sevilla, ES
Donors
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jul 08, 2019
- Guest
- Donated on Jul 01, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 27, 2019
You’re in our thoughts and prayers here in Boston!
Beading lessons
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 08:59 amWe have many news in ARSGA. The offline donations we receive from some of you have made it possible to buy enough food for a one worm meal a day for our members in need. We have also been able to release a transgender member who was arrested and financially. . . . .
Another homophobic hate crime in Kampala!
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 07:08 amAristote, a 22 years old gay refugee from Congo was attacked last week by a group of eight men with knives on his way back home. The mem knew him and told him that they are teaching him to be a real man. We managed to send him money for
Sharing the pride
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 02:49 pmWhile in many countries around the globe the month of June is dedicated to celebrating LGBT pride and rights, in Uganda, where homosexuality is illegal, there is very little celebration. This year we decided to share some of the love and good energies of Pride month with our members. Our
LGBTQ awerness campaign
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 05:24 pmToday Danna gave a talk in the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), explaining her fellow refugee students about her life as an LGBTQ. This was a very positive event; the students were very supportive and accepting, asking many important questions. They all promised to help protecting LGBTQ people whenever they find. . . . .
Presenting our work in a symposium about Sexual Violence
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 04:43 pmLast week, ARSAGA's president, Bibe Kalalu presented our work with LGBTIQ refugees in Uganda in the symposium "Sexual Violence: Advancing the Agenda?"
Participatory filming - No Job
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 03:18 pmLGBTI refugees in Uganda suffer many different forms of discrimination. They are unable to find jobs or even to start the smallest micro initiative; no one would buy anything from them! They are also unable to get any support from their families and neighbours and are literally struggling to survive.This. . . . .
ARSGA´s new members
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 04:24 pmToday we met with four LGBTIQ youths who recently joined our organization. Two of them still live at home but their single mothers, as refugees in Uganda, are finding it very hard to provide for them and their brothers. The other two were disowned by their families and are moving. . . . .
Meeting with international authorities
Update posted by Nina Poletti at 06:01 amYesterday we had a meeting with The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the NGO InterAid about security and health issues of our members. As people who are both LGBTs and refugees, we suffer many discriminations and threats, and the answers received from the authorities are often unsatisfying. We hope that
Donors & Comments
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jul 08, 2019
- Guest
- Donated on Jul 01, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 27, 2019
You’re in our thoughts and prayers here in Boston!
- Angela Gildner
- Donated on Jun 22, 2019
- Jaymee Silva
- Donated on Jun 19, 2019
Best wishes!
- Guest
- Donated on Jun 17, 2019
Good luck!!!
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 15, 2019
- Guest
- Donated on May 21, 2019
- Seraina Abele
- Donated on May 15, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on May 11, 2019
