Dear RJ,

As we celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ community during Pride Month, we must also reckon with the fact that more than 60 countries worldwide still criminalize homosexuality. In some countries, it is a crime punishable by death. 

We invite you to watch the story of Baraka, who was forced to flee his home in Rwanda after a relationship with an influential man in his community was discovered. In Kenya, HIAS has helped him get housing and counseling and to apply for resettlement in Canada. 

There are far too many LGBTQ individuals around the world like Baraka who live with fear and uncertainty every day. HIAS is dedicated to protecting these “voiceless among the voiceless” and to help them find lasting safety and freedom. 

Thank you for helping courageous LGBTQ refugees heal and thrive as they build new lives in dignity,

Team HIAS