In light of the tragedy that hit the island country of Haiti Jan. 12, pro-LGBT and pro-human rights organizations have united to urge people to help.
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ), the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), Partners In Health/Zanmi Lasante, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center), and TransAfrica Forum have issued a joint statement warning that failure to aid the Haitians could aggravate earthquake’s impact.
The Astraea Foundation—which describes itself as “the world’s only foundation solely dedicated to supporting LGBTI organizations in the US and internationally”—is asking people to donate to org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5773/t/8982/content.jsp?content_KEY=2004. The foundation acknowledged a close loss: “We have just learned that among many, many others, Flo McGarrell, the director of our grantee partner, Fanal Otenik Sant D’A Jakmel, did not survive the earthquake. Our condolences go out to his family and to all who knew and loved him. Haiti and the LGBTI community have lost a brilliant and committed activist, humanitarian, and artist.”
The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is also accepting donations. People are asked to donate with this link: www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/1074.html. One hundred percent of contributions made through this page will go directly to the group’s friends and colleagues in Haiti.
The owners of gay businesses Atlantis Events, Olivia Cruises and RSVP Vacations have united to raise funds as well, according to Advocate.com. Each of the three cruise lines has pledged to donate $7,500; Olivia is offering a limited number of free cruises to people who donate at least $7,500.