Describing itself as Jamaica’s oldest LGBT group, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexual and Gays (J-Flag) has established a crowdfunding page as it seeks funds to rebuild its office building known as ‘Rainbow House’, that was gutted by fire on December 30, last year.
The fire of unknown origin caused extensive damage to the building, located in St Andrew, as well as its contents.
According to J-FLAG, the estimated loss from the fire is US$50,000 to US$60,000.
“We have received an outpouring of support from the LGBT community, our allies, partners and donors, offering condolences and seeking information on how they can help us in our rebuilding efforts. Thanks to our government and civil society partners who have opened their doors to us, we are slowly resuming operations on a limited basis,” J-Flag said in a statement.
“We are heartened that the important work we do means so much to everyone and we are grateful for any support we can get. Based on our capacity at this time, crowdfunding is the most effective way to reach our recovery goals,” the lobby group added. Read more via Loop
Rebuilding J-FLAG, Jamaica's Oldest LGBT Group
On Sunday, December 30, 2018, our office -- affectionately monikered ‘Rainbow House’ -- was engulfed in fire which has caused severe damage and destruction to the building and its contents.
This has come on the heels of the commencement of our 20th anniversary celebrations earlier in December. As we celebrated, we reflected on all we have achieved in two decades, and looked forward to and began planning for a renewed and re-energised purpose. We were excited about our next phase of operations in expanding the LGBT movement and securing rights for all members of the community who continue to face a plethora of challenges simply because of who we are, who we love, and how we express ourselves.