🌈 Stories of strength, courage — and Pride

How LGBTQ+ refugees in Latin America are shaping their own future [International Rescue Committee logo.]( "We all support each other, no one is unprotected. If one of us is sick, the other tries to help her; if some food is needed, we find ways to cover that need." - Gianna {NAME} - Pride was born in protest, as the New York LGBTQ+ community rose up against police raids in 1969. It is a celebration rooted in resilience, a yearly reminder of the dangers facing LGBTQ+ people. And it is a moment to recognize that all people deserve safety, dignity, and the power to shape their own future. Despite the progress made over recent decades, there are still many places where LGBTQ+ communities face harassment and violence, simply because of their identities. This includes areas like Latin America, where LBGTQ+ people and refugees are leading the charge for their own liberation. In honor of Pride Month, [we are lifting up stories of bravery and resilience from LGBTQ+ heroes in Latin America]( and wanted to share them with you, one of our committed supporters. [READ MORE »]( When she was 25 years old, Gianna left her hometown in Central America after experiencing discrimination and even death threats for being a trans woman. Gianna realized that her only choice was to claim asylum in the United States. Unfortunately, COVID-19 left her stranded in Ciudad Juarez, at a "triage hotel" supported by the IRC and other organizations that provided food and support services during the quarantine period. When the pandemic subsided, Gianna and other trans women stayed at shelters for asylum seekers, but struggled to feel comfortable and safe. Out of these experiences, something profoundly welcoming and positive was born. In September 2020, Gianna and seven other women founded Casa de Colores, a shelter created by and for LGBTQ+ migrants. [Gianna faces away from the camera, looking off into Juarez]( Gianna is a 25-year-old transgender woman from Central America who had to leave due to discrimination for her gender identity. She was a nurse, working with private clients because the public health system would not allow her to work due to her identity. "What motivated us was to protect and help other girls who were in vulnerability," says Gianna. "Casa de Colores could be considered a second family because we all support each other, no one is unprotected. If one of us is sick, the other tries to help her; if some food is needed, we find ways to cover that need." The IRC helped by providing cash assistance via debit cards to residents so they could meet essential needs like clothing, transportation, and medicine. Finally, in the first days of May 2021, Gianna was able to safely cross into the U.S. to seek asylum. Gianna's story embodies the courage, strength, and solidarity at the heart of Pride. Because of compassionate humanitarians like you, we can continue our work to support LGBTQ+ refugees. And Gianna's story is not the only one — [read on for more personal stories of LGBTQ+ people in Latin America determined to live freely.]( We are proud to support LGBTQ+ communities around the world and advocate for their rights. Across Latin America, our programs serve individuals and families who have experienced violence and displacement, providing emergency and long-term cash assistance to support business plans and future dreams. [You can continue to support the IRC's work in LGBTQ+ communities around the world with a gift today.]( Thank you for everything you do to support the freedom and self-determination of all people. Happy Pride! — Hank Hank Walter Senior Officer, Supporter Communications International Rescue Committee [MAKE A GIFT »]( The International Rescue Committee | [Rescue.org]( 122 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10168-1289 USA To ensure future delivery of IRC e-mails, please add our reply address updates@rescue.org to your Address Book. [Click here]( for U.S. federal and state compliance notices [Manage my preferences]( or [unsubscribe](