LGBTQI Refuguees in South Africa

LGBTQI asylum seekers in Cape Town, South Africa are facing a serious crisis. COVID-19 is impacting everyone, but those who are most vulnerable are at risk of getting seriously ill and even dying. Many are undocumented, which means that they cannot get help from the government! They are also trying to manage the pandemic while dealing with medical problems, such as HIV, and psychiatric problems, such as depression and traumatic stress.

We need your help NOW!

Many LGBTQI asylum seekers in Cape Town do not have a stable place to live and are already struggling to make ends meet. With a 21-day lockdown in place, they have lost their jobs working in restaurants and other service industries. This means they are in danger of being evicted and not being able to meet their most basic needs.  

First, we need to get them items to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.  Many LGBTI refugees live in close quarters with others making it especially hard for them to isolate. They are in critical need of masks, gloves, and hygiene/cleaning products (e.g., soap, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, etc).
 
Second, they are in desperate need of food and water. For LGBTQI asylum seekers in Cape Town, it is hard for them to get food and water when there isn't a lockdown, but can you imagine what it will be like for them now ? It may be nearly impossible.

Third, they must find a place to say for the entirety of the quarantine. However, this is very hard for them to do because many don't have enough money to support themselves, are already homeless, and  do not have people to rely on for help and support. We know that some are already in danger of being evicted.

There is one organization--PASSOP --in Cape Town, South Africa that is working tirelessly to help LGBTQI asylum seekers there.

https://www.passop.co.za/programmes/lgbti-refugee-advocacy

I live in the United States, but have worked with PASSOP in the past. They need our support to help provide LGBTQI refugees with:

·      Masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, and soap ($1500)

·      Water and food ($1000)

·      Support for those who need to pay rent or to find a place to live   during the quarantine ($2500)