| These are times we never could have imagined just a few weeks ago. As you’ll know, this crisis represents a really desperate time for many of our siblings – particularly those who are older, with underlying health issues, homeless, refugees and QTIPOC. In times like this, our immediate instinct is to lean closer into our community. It has been inspiring to see our community find unique ways to unite in solidarity over the last couple of weeks in the face of it all. Our volunteers are in awe of all the amazing work being done by all our queer siblings. We will do everything we can to continue to stand with them in solidarity. Earlier this year we had made great progress with the project, we’d secured backing from Sadiq Khan to help us deliver the centre in his next term as Mayor of London. Due to the crisis, the Mayoral – and all other elections – have been postponed. We were also working on a bid proposal for a space which was due to be submitted early this summer. Of course, we are now unsure where this stands. Nevertheless, our work to bring the Centre to life continues. Once this crisis is over, community spaces will be more needed than ever. Over the last few weeks, we have been speaking to LGBTQ+ charities to find out how we can support them through this crisis by lending our capacity and skills and working collaboratively to find out how we can be most effective. We’re pleased to be able to help them continue their vital work. For example, this week we were happy to help our friends at ELOP with sourcing the tech they need to stay connected and continue their vital work throughout this crisis. We’ve also been focusing efforts on sharing the brilliant work that’s being done in our community, and the causes that need urgent awareness, fundraising and signal boosting. We want to put a spotlight on some of these brilliant causes now, and ask that you give them your support. We are particularly asking allies to donate to these causes if they can. |
This emergency relief and hardship fund has been set up to provide short term support to Queer, Trans and Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTIBIPOC) currently living in the UK who are affected by the outbreak and ongoing shutdown caused by Covid-19. It has been set up to support those who are immunocompromised, chronically ill, asthmatic, in quarantine or elderly as well as those in precarious and threatening financial situations due to the official lockdown imposed in the UK on March 23rd, 2020.
The Outside Project is doing incredible work on the front line of the coronavirus crisis, working hard to house vulnerable LGBTQ+ folks and keeping them safe from potentially dangerous situations. Their latest appeal seeks to raise money to ensure that LGBTQ+ homeless people are safe and housed in hotels and hostels for the next three months. Please give generously to their appeal.
They are also running a group for LGBTIQ+ mutual aid in London. If you are an LGBTQ+ person in need, please make sure you reach out.
Opening Doors provides a vital service to the LGBTQ+ community and have launched an appeal to raise funds to reduce the isolation and loneliness experienced by older LGBTQ+ folks. They’re seeing an increased demand for their services and hope to support as many people as they can. Please donate what you can to their appeal here. Or you can pre-order a t-shirt made by Little Gay Brother who is donating the proceeds to Opening Doors. Alternatively, click the button below to donate directly to Opening Doors.
Gendered Intelligence does vital work supporting trans young people and their families while also offering training and education on trans issues for companies, organisations and charities. For some trans young people, home can be a tricky place to be. That’s why GI have recently launched their Physical Distancing – Social Solidarity appeal to ensure they can continue to deliver their vital services.
We have developed a list of resources available to the public for Coronavirus information and relief. Check it out here and please feel free to email us if you have something you want to add to the list.
| We are hoping that you are all staying well and encourage all who can to stay inside and follow social distancing guidelines. In solidarity, London LGBTQ+ Community Centre Project Volunteers. |