How to help LGBTQ+ Ukrainians at home, in Poland, in Germany, in Czech Republic

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has left many LGBTQ Ukrainians in need of support as they confront life-threatening challenges along with their fighting, fleeing or shelter-seeking countrymen and countrywomen. LGBTQ advocacy organizations in Europe and the United States have specific suggestions of ways to help.

> OutRight International

New York-based OutRight International has launched a fundraiser responding to requests for support from LGBTIQ organizations “which are preparing to receive LGBTIQ people in search of shelter, safety and security.”

OutRight International stated, “As we know all too well, in times of crisis, LGBTIQ people who are already marginalized face higher risks and cannot count automatically on access to humanitarian and/or social assistance. That’s why we need your urgent support today.”

As of publication of this article on Feb. 28, the fund drive had received $129,653 out of $150,000 requested. OutRight International is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.

> ILGA-Europe

The European division of ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, based in Brussels, Belgium, urges donors “to support initiatives that are already in place and doing the work” in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

In Ukraine

The Ukrainian groups include:

Sphere Women’s Association — a women’s group working on humanitarian aid. (See the ILGA-Europe web page  “Support for LGBTI People in Ukraine” for details about how to donate to Sphere via bank transfer.)

Insight LGBTQ — Helping with temporary housing, relocation to safer areas, food, medicine and first-needed supplies. (Donate at this link.)

NGO Fulcrum — Supporting relocation, shelter, emergency aid to LGBTI persons. (Donate at this link.)

In Poland

The Polish LGBT organization Lambda Warszaw is creating a support centre where LGBTQ+ Ukrainians can find information in Ukrainian and Russian about support in Warsaw and can receive direct psychological support and rest in a safe environment. In a fundraiser on Facebook, Lambda Warszaw had received $4,833 out of the $8,352 it had requested for the project.  Alternatively, the ILGA-Europe web page provides information on how to support the Lambda Warszaw project by bank transfer.

In Germany

Quarteera, the Hamburg-based association of Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ people, is seeking donations on Facebook to support housing, basic needs, legal support, and language courses for Ukrainian LGBTQ+ refugees in Germany. As of March 1, when this article was updated, $9,172 had been raised of $33,280 requested. Alternatively, the ILGA-Europe web page provides information on how to support the Quarteera project by bank transfer.

> All Out

The online LGBTQ rights advocacy organization All Out, in cooperation with the Ukrainian LGBTQ organizations Kyiv Pride and Insight, has launched an online fundraiser “War in Ukraine: Send emergency support to LGBT+ people”.  The fundraising site states:

“After the invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, LGBT+ and rainbow families, as well as human rights defenders, are facing imminent danger. Many are trying to flee the country.

“LGBT+ people were already vulnerable before the attack, and are now even more at risk of human rights abuses by Russian troops. Escaping is difficult, and the conditions are chaotic.

“Kyiv Pride, Insight, and other partner organizations are providing support to help get LGBT+ folks safely out of the country and provide critical resources to those who must stay.

“The next couple of days are crucial. Every donation will help save lives and provide protection.
Help local LGBT+ organizations on the ground provide safety, shelter, and support to Ukrainian LGBT+ people now! ”

> Alturi

The U.S.-based LGBTQ news aggregation site Alturi is raising money to help Prague Pride support Ukrainian LGBTQ refugees.  Its announcement stated:

“Alturi has been asked by Prague Pride and members of the LGBTI communities in Ukraine to help with

• Financially supporting Ukrainian LGBTI organizations while they are still able to operate,
• Assisting LGBTI Ukrainians in finding refuge in the Czech Republic, and
• Preparing housing and other basic services for LGBTI Ukrainians when they arrive in Prague, the safest place in the region for them now.

“More than 93% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to these efforts. Alturi will keep none of the funds raised, and less than 7% of total donations will be used to cover credit card and fund transfer fees.”