Help LGBTQIA Refugees Survive

Hi, my name is Megan (she/her) and I am fundraising on behalf of six queer refugees, led by my friend Collines. Collines is a young gay man from Uganda who has been a refugee for the last few years, and now resides in Northeast Africa, in a refugee camp.

Homophobia and general bigotry run rampant in Africa, thus why these people have fled their homes. Coming out as queer can lead to being cut off from one's community and family, and greatly increases the risk of physical harm. Unfortunately, this risk is only more heightened in refugee camps.

Other refugees do not take kindly to the queer refugees' presence and will not hesitate to make that known. Physical attacks on the queer refugees themselves are fairly common and they must keep a low profile, drawing as little attention to themselves as possible.

Collines receives $10/month for *all* supplies, including food, medicine, toiletries, etc. He is unable to work, so any more financial assistance comes from this GoFundMe or other donors online.

There is limited medical care provided, refugees must pay out of pocket for visiting a doc or getting medicine or surgery, among other medical necessities. Diseases such as measles, typhoid, malaria, and sexually transmitted diseases or infections are common. Often queer refugees must fundraise online (while in pain and scared) for days before being able to receive care.

Collines lives in a structure with 25 other refugees; they sleep on UN provided mats on the ground. Working is not an option (due to homophobia and camp rules), and days are spent playing soccer and trying to exist.

We are hopeful Collines will have a resettlement interview and begin the process soon, but this is incredibly uncertain. If you would like to help and are unable to donate monetarily, writing to the UNHCR to advocate for refugee resettlement is also extremely helpful. You can do that here!

Donations to this GoFundMe will go towards food, medicine, or materials to build structures normally. Donations around special events/holidays (such as Pride or Christmas) may go towards a celebration, to be able to have some moments of joy amidst a very difficult existence.

Any and all donations will help improve their quality of life immensely and are so appreciated. Even just a $5 USD donation increases Collines monthly budget by 50%, which can make a huge difference. And please share this fundraiser, as donations are always needed for medicine and food!