Dear Friends,

We Are One! Unity is essential to our survival, our healing, and our humanity. In this issue:

• Earthquake in Morocco - helping LGBTQ+ survivors
• Cuba Projects Update - Helping the Trans community
• Volunteer Opportunity at the Castro Street Fair - October 1

On 8 September 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco. The earthquake’s epicenter was located southwest of Marrakesh. Over 2,122 people have been killed and 2,400 were injured, at least 1400 of the injured are critically hurt. In older parts of Marrakesh and portions of the city walls collapsed, leaving families trapped beneath debris. Many of the building are centuries old and very very unstable. Thousands have lost their homes. 

We are focusing our aid to help members of the LGBTQ+ community that have been impacted by the earthquake. The LGBTQ+ community is heavily discriminated against leaving it particularly vulnerable when an emergency occurs. 

To be LGBTQ+ in Morocco: Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are illegal in Morocco. The LGBTQ+ community faces many hardships in this country, as it has limited legal rights. Police disproportionately target LGBTQ+ people. Public opinion towards the LGBTQ+ community generally negative, in alignment with attitudes about LGBTQ+ rights in much of the Muslim world. 

The country has a male-dominated culture, a patriarchal society with traditional gender roles. Same-sex activity can be punished with anything from three to five years' imprisonment and and fines. When one is arrested in Morocco for a suspected homosexual act, their name is publicized, thus outing the individual before a trial takes place. 

Please be part of the LGBTQ+ community's response by making a donation to Rainbow World Fund’s Morocco Earthquake Fund. Your contributions will provide much-needed clean water, food, medical supplies, and shelter.

Please donate today! 100% of your donation will fund these life saving actions. Specify “Morocco” when you donate online or or when sending a check to RWF, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.

Photo Credits: alyaoum24 .com

DRAG FOR CUBA: Thank you to everyone who helped us collected over 200 lbs for wigs, heels, clothing , costume jewelry, and make-up for the Trans and drag community in Havana. We delivered the items in May during our 9th humanitarian journey to Cuba. Special thanks go to Sister Chola of the San Francisco Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for coordinating this effort.

All of the items were greatly appreciated. Most Cubans live on or near the poverty level, Trans and drag expressive people simply cannot afford these essential items. Muchas Gracias!

Photo Credits: George Maestre

Join us Sunday, October 1, 2023 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 our community! To volunteer, please send us a message and let us know your availability. 

RWF is the world's first 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. Founded in 2000, RWF has donated over $5 million of life saving aid and 80,000+ volunteers service hours. RWF is all-volunteer run.

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.