As the situation for LGBT people in Russia seems to worsen on a daily basis — from the ongoing draconian anti-gay laws to last week’s bomb threats at the St. Petersburg Side by Side LGBT International Film Festival and attacks at Moscow gay clubs — three U.S.-based organizations have today launched a dedicated fundraising platform to gather much-needed donations to support the work of Russian LGBT activists.
The new Russia Freedom Fund website is a joint project of the Council for Global Equality, the Arcus Foundation and the Open Society Institute. 100 percent of contributions will be funneled directly to local Russian groups through a granting process coordinated by the three organizations in collaboration with ILGA-Europe and other LGBT activists in Russia.
“LGBT activists and organizations in Russia welcome this show of support of the community from our allies,” said Russia activist Anastasia Smirnova in a prepared statement. “Our resources are extremely limited, and our work is time-critical. We are optimistic that the Fund will help us advance the position of human rights for all people in Russia.”
The initiative responds to growing concerns about state-sponsored discrimination in Russia and demonstrates solidarity between the international LGBT community, its global allies and the Russian LGBT movement. Incorporating an easy-to-use PayPal-based donation system, the Russia Freedom Fund website is requesting contributions of any amount from the LGBT community and allies. Click through here to participate.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Greg Garavani
I was wondering when something like this was going to pop up, could someone please fill me in if some countries are no longer providing asylum?
Jenni Olson
Hi Greg — Yes, there are some countries providing asylum. For anyone wanting to be helpful to the activists in Russia, donating to this fund is a great way to show support. By the way, more horrible news out of St. Petersburg, there have now been four bomb threats at the LGBT film festival: http://sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=100&story_id=38574