Mastodawn

Owen Aug 24, 2023

Per Koch Aug 24, 2023

Living in the comforts of a Nordic society, it is hard for me to fully understand how it is to live as a #LGBTQ refugee in a refugee camp in Kenya.

But I can share the joy of my Ugandan friends as they get enough funds to raise a metal fence to protect them against homophobic gangs at night.

You can donate here: https://fundrazr.com/stories/dKQatf?ref=ab_5CQDDa_tw_8CQCn3

@Swabulah4321

Per Koch posted a story update on LGBTQA Refugees in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya Need Your Help!

One of the biggest challenges for Nakafeero, her crew and her around 100 LGBTQ refugees and kids, have been the attacks from homophobic and transphobic thugs. Now they are, thanks to the donations of their fundrazr supporters, raising a fence around their encampment. As recent as last week one of the women in Nakafeero's group was attacked and raped in their encampment. It is hard to imagine how this will affect the refugees' sense of security. They live in a constant fear of violence. This is why many of the groups in the camp do everything they can to get funds for a metal fence. Such fences make it much harder for the gangs to attack the refugees during the night. And now, thanks to your generous contributions, Nakafeero and her crew had enough money to pay for the materials needed to raise a fence. And as you can see from the video embedded below, a solid fence it is. The next step is to bring the refugees some roofs over their heads.

FundRazr

Owen Aug 7, 2023

Transgender World Aug 4, 2023

USAID releases its first-ever "LGBTQI+-inclusive" plan for foreign aid - LGBTQ Nation

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/08/usaid-releases-its-first-ever-lgbtqi-inclusive-plan-for-foreign-aid/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic%2Ftransgender

#transgender #trans #lgbtq

USAID releases its first-ever "LGBTQI+-inclusive" plan for foreign aid - LGBTQ Nation

The policy is a blueprint for USAID to champion LGBTQ+ and intersex rights around the world.

LGBTQ Nation

Owen Aug 4, 2023

Per Koch Aug 3, 2023

I have the privilege of working with Nakafeero Swabulah and her LGBTQ+ group of Ugandan refugees in the Kakuma camp in Kenya.

I admire her and her friends' courage and hard work, but I know they are struggling. They live outside and sleep on the ground, and last week a gang came into their camp and stole food and things they need for survival.

You can follow Nakafeero here: @Swabulah4321

If you want to help:
https://fundrazr.com/stories/7KNAV6

Per Koch posted a story update on LGBTQA Refugees in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya Need Your Help!

Nakafeero and her Ugandan LGBTQ+ refugees are planning to build a fence around their exposed encampment. The Kenyan Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement had a population of around 200,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers at the end of July 2020. In other words: This is a city and as in any city there are differences between those who have and those who have not. Some refugees live in buildings, others – like Nakafeero and her people – live outdoor and sleep on the ground, with little or no protection against the elements, thieves and haters. Kakuma is located in a semi-arid climate with average temperatures reaching 40 °C (104 °F) and only drop to the low 30's at night. The area is dry and windswept, and there are frequent dust storms. The refugee camp is situated between two dry river-beds, and the occasional rain can lead to flooding. You really need some protection against the elements as well. Nakafeero's group has experienced several violent attacks from homophobic gangs in the camp. A week ago another gang stole food, buckets, cans, clothes, shoes and more. (Nakafeero talks about this incident in the video below) This is why we have established the so-called "Protection Project "for the around 100 members of Nakafeero's LGBTQ "tribe". If there are enough funds, we set aside 50% of them every week to a special savings account that is to be used for the construction of a fence and, next, solid shelters. Materials can be bought in the camp, as well as assistance in setting up the fences. You can see an example of a fence set up in another part of the camp in this video. Given the latest attack this has become a high priority issue. We will keep you posted on the progress of this project. If you want to give a gift earmarked the Protection Project and this project only, you can make a note of this in the "Your Message" field over at fundrazr Again: Thank you so much for your help! It makes a huge difference. Photo of Nakafeero (right) and friends in the camp.

FundRazr

Owen Aug 2, 2023

LGBTQI+ refugees at the UNHCR and Kenyan run refugee camp at Kakuma often experience ulcers due to starvation, malnutrition, and stress.

Ulcers brought on by starvation or malnutrition are "stress ulcers" or "curling ulcers."

These ulcers are more likely to occur in individuals who are severely malnourished or have experienced prolonged periods of starvation or stress.

Symptoms of stress ulcers can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding. #LGBTQI #QueerRights

Owen Jul 31, 2023

My friend sleeps outside, without shelter or a mattress. She used to have a pink towel for a blanket, but it was stolen in a recent raid by thieves.

Her group is totally exposed to snakes, scorpions, anti-LGBTQI+ attackers, and the harsh desert weather.

The tin sheets provided to her group by the UNHCR to build shelter with were stolen, so her group is totally without shelter.

This is one of the challenges LGBTQI refugees face at Kakuma that many of us take for granted: REST

#LGBTQI

Owen Jul 30, 2023

LGBTQI+ Refugees at the UNHCR and Kenyan run refugee camp at Kakuma are taking to social media to ask the world for assistance and to share their stories.

I talk to one of these refugees daily, and consider her a close friend. I have seen the camp live, I have spoken to others on the ground, and the situation is even worse than it appears online.

@Swabulah4321 is bravely sharing her story here on Mastodom, despite the risks. Please support her in any way you can 🩷

#lgbt #lgbtqi #queer #BLM

Owen Jul 27, 2023

J. L. Westover Jul 27, 2023

Secret Panel HERE ☀️ http://tapas.io/episode/741428

Read Mr. Lovenstein :: Terrific | Tapas Community

Read Mr. Lovenstein and more premium Comedy Community series now on Tapas!

Read Mr. Lovenstein :: Terrific

Show thread

Owen Jul 27, 2023

@MrLovenstein Hi, sorry for the random reply but your art is really great! I am an advocate for LGBTQI refugees in Kenya. I have several friends there, many from Uganda. Due to the geographic proximity many LGBTQI Ugandans fleeing end up at Kakuma, a UNHCR and Kenyan run refugee camp in the middle of the desert. Amnesty International has declared Kakuma "UNSAFE" for LGBTQI refugees, and Peter Tatchell, LGBTQI activist calls it a "DEATH CAMP". Please consider leaening more and joining our fight🌈

Show thread

Owen Jul 27, 2023

@jayrosen_nyu Hi Jay, LGBTQI refugees in Kenya are requesting an audience to share their stories and the human rights abuses they are facing at the UNHCR and Kenyan run refugee camp in Kakuma. Many of these refugees fled Uganda in the aftermath of the kill the gays bill, but when they arrive at Kakuma they arrive at a "DEATH CAMP for LGBTQI refugees" - Peter Tatchell. "We are shadow people. No one cares about us." My refugee friend says. Please join our fight for LGBTQI human rights at Kakuma 🩷🏳️‍🌈

Show thread

Owen Jul 27, 2023

@StevenBeschloss Hi Steven, LGBTQI refugees in Kenya need a platform to share their stories and the human rights abuses they are facing. I have friends in Kakuma who are being starved, denied water, imprisoned, attacked, denied medical care, who have ulcers from starvation... "We are shadow people. No one cares about us." One of my friends says... I hope you see my heartfelt plea for my friends and join our fight for safety and dignity of LGBTQI refugees in Kakuma 🙏😭🩷