Globally, the hard-won progress made by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is under attack. Discrimination dominates the news as anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and violence persist. And BIPOC, trans, and non-binary folks are disproportionately at risk.

​​​​​​​Right now, when the rights, safety, and well-being are at risk for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, our solidarity remains our greatest strength. Solidarity is our resistance. Solidarity shows we are a community of concerned children of God, and that any attack on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights is an attack on human rights. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are #UNITEDINSOLIDARITY

It's crucial that we continue to work in partnership to advance respect for the human rights of 2SLBGTQIA+ people, provide safe spaces for those at risk, and promote inclusion in society, church, and interfaith spaces at home and around the world.

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity Fund strives to do just that, by supporting projects that advance the rights, dignity, and inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Projects such as international consultations with religious leaders, safe shelters, and sponsorships of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees to Canada.

2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity FUnd

The United Church of Canada's longtime advocacy for the human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and the full inclusion of all God’s people in the church has sparked calls from around the world to share learnings with those who are fighting elsewhere in this work.

Gifts to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidary Fund help the United Church and its global partners make a difference in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people around the world.

Your gift now for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity Fund would be gratefully received and put to work immediately. You will directly support programs where there is an immediate serious need, while creating sustainable funding for this critically important work for years to come.

"Rated R"

This Manila-based consultation --the first of its kind in Asia-- gathered folks from across Asia, Africa and Canada to share stories and plan new steps to overcome religious-based homophobia and transphobia. One participant shared: “I'm sure that what we planted together in one another's heart this time will be flowered in the rainbow garden of God”.

There was a diversity of folks joining; clergy and seminary students, activists, academics. This diversity brought a range of perspectives into the work.

Recognizing that interpretations of Christianity have often denied life and dignity for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, seminaries are adjusting training programs and courses. in the words of an attendee from a participating organization, “critique religion and reread our sacred texts, transform our structures and systems, and repent as institutions that have perpetuated exclusion.”

a More Equal World

The Latin American Centre for Popular Communication (CEPALC) works in Zenu Indigenous communities in Columbia to support women, youth and community radio.

CEPALC trainers use the techniques of popular theatre to:

• assist communities in recovering memories and stories of pre-conquest gender and sexual relations
• imagine communities where diversity is respected
• create “ambientes amables” (friendly spaces) for inclusion in high schools.
  

“My life has changed since being in CEPALC because the Luna before was homophobic… they taught me how to be respectful and inclusive.”

—Luna, age 12

shelter supports

In Jamaica, the Larry Chang Foundation LGBTIQ Youth Shelter Support provides housing to young adults who might otherwise be homeless.

The endeavour consists of four aspects:

• safe shelter
  
• improving health (physical and mental)
  
• access to education and skills-training
  
• access to documentation (birth certificates, etc.)
  

In Nairobi, Kenya, the Pembizo Christian Council operates a shelter for people who have faced discrimination and/or violence due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The shelter not only provides safe space, but a community of care and concern for people at risk.

Program staff have identified a growing need for increased capacity in meeting the needs in the safe-house as well as seeking to establish more safe-houses for an ever-growing demand from refugees.