On behalf of IGLYO, we express our deepest sympathies with the people of Turkey and Syria affected by the devastating earthquakes which occurred in the region on Monday 6 February 2023. Our thoughts are also with LGBTQI people and sex workers in the region, who are part of the most vulnerable in the face of this disaster.
As the Queer Relief Fund explains, “LGBTQIA+s and sex workers in the earthquake area do not receive as equally and fairly as others from humanitarian aid, cannot feel safe in public areas, and are deprived of many basic needs”. We have therefore been in touch with our Member Organisations on the ground to find ways in which you can provide support to these communities and those in need, or find support if you are affected yourself.
Please use and share the list of resources below if you are looking to support affected people in the area, especially LGBTQI people and sex workers, or if you are yourself looking for support. We will keep on adding resources to the list over time.
The Queer Relief Fund is run by LGBTQIA+ people and sex workers coming from various cities, and working for different organisations and initiatives, or as independent activists, in Turkey. Donations will help them to improve the conditions and meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ people and sex workers in the earthquake area. Donate to the Queer Relief Fund.
LGBTI+ organisations in Ankara, Turkey, founded the Ankara LGBTI+ Earthquake Solidarity to support, meet the needs of, and mobilise resources for LGBTI+ people and LGBTI+ refugees in the earthquake region. Our Member Organisation Kaos GL compiled resources and helplines from various organisations, including our Members Kaos GL and Pink Life, that you can use to either provide or request support. You can access their resource page here.
The Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association provides helplines and offers guidance to LGBTQI people and sex workers in the earthquake region. You can find their contact details on this Instagram post and on their website.
Antep Queer is providing support to LGBTQI people in the earthquake region. If you are in need of help or support, you can find more information on their Instagram page, Twitter page, or in this article by our Member Kaos GL.
Following discussions with our Member Organisations on the ground, we encourage you to direct your monetary donations to two local humanitarian organisations, AHBAP and AKUT:
AHBAP
AHBAP is helping to provide shelter, food, and medical supplies to those in need in the earthquake area. Any donation, no matter how small, will help them provide much-needed aid to those affected by the earthquake. Donate to AHBAP
AKUT
AKUT has been providing support to people in the affected disaster zone from the beginning, with more than 640 volunteers as well as search canines. So far, they have helped to rescue over 150 people from under collapsed structures. Donate to AKUT.
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