As the COVID-19 pandemic affects communities everywhere, those already vulnerable like LGBTIQ people are more likely to fall into crisis. OutRight anticipates that we will see a spike in demand on LGBTIQ organizations as LGBTIQ people experience increased food insecurity, unemployment, homelessness and domestic violence but a decrease in resources as LGBTIQ organizations themselves struggle for financial survival. This is why OutRight is launching the COVID-19 LGBTIQ Emergency Fund to respond to the urgent needs of LGBTIQ people and communities around the world.
The unprecedented global health emergency calls us to take immediate action to support LGBTIQ communities and organizations who are on the frontlines of responding to the crisis. Many have few to no resources for help.
Can you help us provide this urgent support? OutRight is accepting donations at all levels; your gift of $25, $50, $1,000 or more can make a big difference.
With your help, the contributions to OutRight’s COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund will be used in two ways.
Seventy-five percent of the funds raised - the overwhelming majority - will be distributed as grants to grassroots LGBTIQ organizations on the frontlines around the world (in all regions outside of North America and Western Europe). OutRight will provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to LGBTIQ organizations that are addressing urgent issues, i.e.:
Healthcare for LGBTIQ populations impacted by COVID-19;
Food and housing to LGBTIQ people impacted by coronavirus;
Emergency services for LGBTIQ survivors of domestic violence; and
Documenting spikes in homophobic and transphobic violence in this time of crisis;
Applications for the COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund will open on April 15. OutRight will issue a first round of grants in June 2020.
Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will be used for OutRight’s direct COVID-19 response, including: administering grants to grassroots organizations through a simple and transparent process, collecting data about the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ communities globally, advocating for emergency relief efforts by governments and United Nations agencies to include access to services for LGBTIQ people, launching OutRight TV interviews featuring LGBTIQ people globally responding to the crisis, etc.
To make a contribution, please visit our donation page.
When we look back on this time in our history, we will be measured by our capacity for kindness and compassion and our ability to mobilize together to respond collectively to the needs of our communities - local and global. Please join us by making a donation today or contact Katie Hultquist at khultquist@outrightinternational.org for more information about how you as an individual can support the emergency response fund.
We are extremely grateful for the generosity and solidarity of Calvin Klein, Inc. and Microsoft, Founding Partners of the Emergency Fund. For more information about how your company or foundation can support the Fund and related promotion and employee engagement opportunities, please contact Elise Colomer-Cheadle at ecolomer@outrightinternational.org.