Dear Friends,

Thank you for supporting LGBTQ+ compassion in action. In this issue:

  • Uganda: Helping Our LGBTQ+ Brothers and Sisters
  • Volunteer at the Castro Street Fair - October. 2
  • Volunteer - help decorate the World Tree of Hope - November 5-27
ALERT: CRISIS IN UGANDA
There has been an escalation of violence toward LGBTQ+ people in Uganda this year. In May, the Parliament of Uganda passed Sexual Offenses Bill 2019 which further criminalizes same-sex acts and relationships. Parliamentary debate and public discussion on the Bill ignited homophobic and transphobic fervor leading to attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. Many LGBTQ+ Ugandans experienced violations of their most basic human rights. 
Abuses include being outed or blackmailed by neighbors or family members leading to loss of employment and housing for many. Harassment and abuse by authorities is also a real threat - 95 gay men were arrested, jailed for 4-5 days released and then rearrested. Others have been subject to arbitrary arrests and detentions which are often reported in the news and on social media, especially if they were arrested on “suspicion of homosexuality”. While incarcerated LGBTQ+ people have experienced torture, physical and sexual abuse including forced anal examinations, beatings, strip-searches, and abuse by other inmates. In July, a well-known gay activist was murdered. In August, the President Museveni declined to sign the bill into law in August as it was not politically advantageous. The cycle of violence has not stopped.
Since 2014, RWF has been providing support to LGBTQ+ people in Uganda by funding shelter, safe passage, and the medical needs of people fleeing danger. We also fund efforts to promote the human rights of the Ugandan LGBTQ+ community. We are currently working with our trusted partner SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda) to provide emergency legal and humanitarian aid to people who have been arrested. Recently, SMUG staff members have been arrested for the “promotion of homosexuality” and the director has had to periodically go into hiding. 

Please help us meet these critical needs. 100% of your RWF donation will support these actions. Specify "Uganda" when you donate online or when sending a check to RWF, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.
VOLUNTEER IN SAN FRANCISCO - CASTRO STREET FAIR - OCTOBER 2 - HELP LGBTQ+ REFUGEES
Throughout October, we will be raising funds to help LGBTQ+ refugees.

Join us Sunday, October 2 at the Castro Street Fair! The RWF Rainbow Bus will be parked in the fair area from 11 am to 6 pm and the bus' interior lounge will be open for visitors.

We will be raising funds for the many programs we support that help LGBTQ+ refugees.

Please stop by the Bus to make a donation and get a rainbow bracelet or bandanna. You can also make a donation online here 100% of your donation will fund life saving actions for refugees. 

VOLUNTEER: We are recruiting for volunteers to be hosts in the Bus' lounge and at our information table for both fairs. Shifts start at 11 am and go to 6 pm and run from 90 minutes to 2 hours. Volunteering is a great way to celebrate your Pride! To volunteer, please send us a message and let us know your availability. 
HELP DECORATE THE WORLD TREE OF HOPE NOV. 5 to NOV. 27
The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. RWF creates the Tree as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love, and humanitarian action.

The decorating dates/times at Grace Cathedral (1100 California St., San Francisco) are from Nov. 5-27:
 
Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 AM to 6 PM 
Sunday, Nov. 6 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Friday, Nov. 18 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 AM to 6 PM 
Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Friday, Nov. 25 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 AM to 6 PM 
Sunday, Nov. 27 from 12: 30 PM to 5:30 PM

* Grace Cathedral requires that all volunteers be vaccinate for COVID-19. We will follow the most current safety SF guidelines. 

You must register to help! 

We ask that volunteers sign up for a 3 or 4 hour shift. You are welcome to stay longer. 
LGBTQ+ COMPASSION IN ACTION
RWF volunteers visiting a school in Cuba.

RWF is the world's first and only all-volunteer, LGBTQ+- based humanitarian aid organization. Our mission is to promote peace, unity, and hope by leading the LGBTQ+ movement in participating in humanitarian relief efforts. Since 2000, RWF has distributed over $5 million in grants and life-saving aid and provided over 75,000 volunteer hours helping both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ people in need around the world.

Bring new hope to our friends and family around the world. Put your tax-deductible gift to work immediately by donating online or mail your donation to Rainbow World Fund, 4111 - 18th Street #5, San Francisco, CA 94114.