Relief Funds for LGBTQ Refugees Block 13 Kakuma

We are raising relief funds for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya, particularly for those in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

For many people, Kenya is considered a country of asylum, where victims of violence and torture may go to safely and peacefully await resettlement to a third country. For LGBTQ+ people though, who are lured to this country with the promise of asylum and protection, they become trapped there and face torture and abuse that is often even worse than the countries that they have fled. In Kenya it is still very much illegal to be LGBTQ+. The government and the police are extremely corrupt and the agencies who are supposed to be there to help shelter and protect them are failing miserably.

Disease and illness run rampant, especially in the refugee camps, with limited clean water and poor hygiene, as well as medical care that is archaic, when you can get it at all. Many cannot, due to the discrimination and homo/transphobia.

Discrimination and homo/transphobia are also the source of brutal violence that leaves men, women, and children terrorized, physically and mentally scarred, crippled, maimed, and murdered. They are robbed, sliced, burned alive, stoned, beaten, and killed. If they try to report to the authorities, sometimes the treatment is worse than what they’re reporting.

For LGBTQ+ people it is rarely possible to find work, especially in the refugee camps, or for the children to attend school. It’s simply too dangerous to try to integrate with the straight population.

The money we raise will assist those who are unable to work to support themselves with things like vital nutrition, medication and first aid, warm bedding, educational supplies, and other basics that are necessary for survival.

Please consider helping us to help them survive!