Dear Friends,

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

  • Solidarity in the Age of Trump
  • Pride Events & Volunteer Opportunities in San Francisco
  • 2020 Travel: Cuba May 6-16 & Guatemala July 30 - Aug. 9
LGBTQ SOLIDARITY IN THE AGE OF TRUMP
Cleve Jones, center, with members of Rainbow World Fund delegation at CENESEX headquarters in Havana Cuba (Photo: Gooch).  

Below is an excerpt from an op-ed in this week's San Francisco Bay Area Reporter about RWF's recent trip to Cuba, the subsequent cancelation of their Pride marches, the arrests of Cuban activists, and the Trump administrations efforts to punish Cuba.
The Rainbow flag and the Cuba flag fly high at Havana's LGBTQ Diversity Party (Photo: Gooch).

... Our 16-person delegation included gay activist Cleve Jones, who was invited to participate in the Jornada as a grand marshal for the Havana conga and to receive the CENESEX Prize in recognition for his contributions to the queer movement. 

Anticipating an extraordinary opportunity to engage in so many aspects of the Jornada, we were shocked on the day before our arrival in Havana that the government, through CENESEX, had canceled the gay congas both in Havana and Cienfuegas, a second conga held to outreach to LGBTQ+ communities in other parts of the country.

The cancellation was officially attributed to "international and regional" tensions, leaving many to speculate as to the actual cause. It is evident that Cuba is already feeling the hostile effects of the Trump administration's efforts to inflict a stranglehold on the economy ... Click here to read the entire op-ed here.
JUNE 27: VOLUNTEER & PARTY AT THE SF ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
The incomparable Heklina performing on the garden stage at the San Francisco Academy of Science.

Join us Thursday, June 27 from 6-10pm at San Francisco's Academy of Science LGBTQ Pride Party in Golden Gate Park. Be sure to stop by RWF's table to learn about our latest projects and pick up a rainbow pride bracket.  Send us a message if you would like to volunteer at this event.  The evening includes lots of cool science and performances by drag queen extraordinaire Heklina & Friends.  Learn more about the party here!  
JUNE 30: VOLUNTEER - ALTERNATIVE SF PRIDE OPPORTUNITY - HELP LGBTQ REFUGEES
Throughout Pride week, we will be raising funds to help LGBTQ refugees from Iraq and Syria.

RWF's Rainbow Bus will be parked in the Castro at Jane Warner Plaza (the mini urban park in front of the Twin Peaks Bar at Castro St @ Market St) from 10 am to 7 pm. The Bus has a lounge interior and will be open up for visitors.

Volunteer:  We are recruiting for volunteers to be hosts in the bus' lounge and at our information table on Sunday, June 30. Shifts start at 10 am and go to 7 pm and run from 90 minutes to 2 hours. This is a great alternative way to volunteer during Pride.  To volunteer, please send us a message and let us know your availability.  
CUBA JOURNEY MAY 6-16, 2020
A likeness of Che Guevara at Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba.

Last week, the Trump administration further reversed the engagement policies of the Obama era by eliminating "people to people" visits, banning group tours, and cruise ships from going to the island. As a humanitarian aid provider, RWF is still permitted to travel to Cuba, and we will return to Cuba in 2020.

Encounter a new land and a people in a way that values them, deepens your spirituality, broadens your worldview and begins to heal the world. We will learned about Cuban history, from its colonial past to its revolutionary present, plus how the complex historical relationship between the U.S and Cuba remains ever-changing.

The many highlights include participating in the LGBTQ Pride celebration in Havana. Learn how you can join us our 9th annual journey to Cuba.
GUATEMALA JOURNEY JULY 30 - AUG. 9, 2020
The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala.

Walk with a legendary people,  learn about Mayan spirituality, and explore human rights issues  with a people whose traditions span centuries of development. Experience ancient, colonial, and modern influences that have molded a people of unique strength and deep faith.  Help deliver medical and educational supplies... be forever changed.

We will learn from Guatemalans about the realities in their country by visiting projects that serve the people and engaging in social, cultural, and artist exchanges. The trip includes visits to diverse communities, meeting with leaders from a variety of fields, and spending time with the LGBTQ community to learning about their struggle for their civil rights.  Learn how you can join us.
LGBTQ COMPASSION IN ACTION
RWF volunteers visiting schooling in Guatemala City.

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.  RWF has donated over $4.4 million of life-saving aid.

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.