Things aren’t looking good for Iraq’s queers. The isolated, endangered population may lose their only gay rights group, Iraqi LGBT.
As the US-led occupation continues, says leader Ali Hili, the need and subsequent cost of maintaining safe houses has become a burden:
According to Hili, 34, the cost of funding a safe house – which serves 10 to 12 people at a time – is about $1,800 a month: $800 for rent, usually paid three months in advance; $400 for the salaries of two armed guards for each house, an essential part of securing each facility; and $600 per month for gas, fuel for electricity generators, food, clean drinking water and hygienic supplies.
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Currently, the majority of the group’s work is funded through private donations and small grants from other non-governmental organizations.Complicating the situation, Hili said, is that the need for Iraqi LGBT’s services and assistance has continued to increase while financial resources have dwindled. Unless more financing can be raised quickly, the group’s safe houses will have to close their doors, possibly as early as the end of this month, putting dozens of vulnerable people at risk of execution.
If you want to help liberate gay Iraqis, we suggest you start by throwing Iraqi LBGT some dough.
Mrs Patrick Campbell
Has anyone here tasted Arab sizemeat? Lactose-intolerant laides will be pleased to know that arab sizemeat is always 100% cheese-free(due to the national practice of circumcisia).
And, they are all total tops!
Discuss!
Bill Perdue
This Mrs Patrick Campbell creature is the reason many support societys absolute right to damand postpartum abortions.
Paul Raposo
A liberated Iraq!
Good thing the homocons aren’t one issue voters, or they might question why the Bush HW allows the murder of LGBTQ’s in Iraq, while giving free reign to militias and warlords.