COVID-19 and its measurements have continued to affect people around the world. Our community has been hit particularly hard. The closure of bars, clubs and other social venues has led to prolonged isolation for many of our LGBTI family. For a lot of people, these venues are not just for fun but a replacement for family and social contact.
In the developing world, especially in homophobic countries, the impact of Covid has been even more severe. Distribution of wealth, the levels of social organisation, war, and conflict damage the foundations of health care. For many, this means no access to food and/or medicine. LGBTI are most vulnerable as many have been banished from their homes because of their sexuality and do not receive any family help.
PlanetRomeo Foundation funds small brave LGBTI initiatives and normally kickstarts grassroots projects. During this crisis, the focus has shifted completely to shelter, food, medication, and basic life supplies. We are proud to announce that in the third funding round an additional 17 LGBTI projects received financial support.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to share the success stories of individual organisations or people. In most cases, we cannot disclose the name or location of organisations to protect the safety of the people involved.
One quote from a funded project we can share is:
Society discriminated us, government abandoned us, sports federations neglected us but you have given us hope to live happily again.
Funding Recipient
With the funding, they were able to provide temporary housing to 7 LGBTI people. In addition to this, they were able to purchase and distribute life-essential supplies to members.
Since the outlook remains uncertain, PlanetRomeo Foundation will continue funding projects all over the world. Each donation no matter how little help and goes to small LGBTI projects where it is most needed. With every project funded we hold the hope of saving lives and to ensure what these organisations have achieved in the last decade does not just fade away.
In 2021, we have welcomed four new Management Board members at the PlanetRomeo Foundation. Our board consists of enthusiastic volunteers, active in different sectors. During the past year, we’ve reviewed applications from every corner of the world: all urgent, but hopeful. We are looking forward to adding new Board members in 2022 and continue our work of the past 12 years.
PlanetRomeo Foundation