Jamaica has just endured one of its worst natural disasters with the passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The damage and disruptions across central and western parishes are immense—flooding, road blockages, power outages, loss of buildings/homes, mass evacuations, and tragic loss of life.

LGBTQI+ Jamaicans are especially vulnerable, as one in three has experienced homelessness or displacement. Unfortunately, government-led relief efforts do not always work well for our communities, as many LGBTQI+ Jamaicans are afraid to access public services due to fear and the lived reality of discrimination—over a third report they would avoid emergency aid for this reason.

Equality for All Foundation Jamaica (formerly J-FLAG), a 26-year-old social justice organization, is mobilizing to support LGBTQ+ Jamaicans affected by the hurricane. Following our relief efforts after Hurricane Beryl last year, we are now seeking to raise US$25,000 to provide emergency assistance (e.g., transportation to safe shelter, housing, clothing, and rebuilding efforts) for those most in need but too afraid to seek help elsewhere.

Please, what you can – $10, $100, $1000 — all will help us meet the needs of our communities in this time of great need!