In humanitarian aid initiatives, LGBTIQ+ people are frequently overlooked. At best, this could be due to a lack of cultural competency, and at worst, it could be a result of systemic discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. To put it frankly, LGBTIQ+ people simply cannot always rely on mainstream systems for assistance in a serious situation. However, in times of emergency, LGBTIQ+ individuals also have a basic right to survival and need access to food, water, transportation, safe housing, social support, skilled medical care, and medications for HIV and hormone replacement treatment.
Bilitis launched its humanitarian fund in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and aided members of our community with financial and psychological help. We continued our support in 2022, and since the start of the Russian evasion in Ukraine, Bilitis is dedicated to helping LGBTIQ+ refugees from Ukraine in their struggle to endure this savagery. We are aware that the demand is great and that it will persist for many more weeks or even years.
