Dear friends,
The crisis in Chechnya has taken over international headlines. Some of the most powerful people in the world are talking about it. But still, the situation here is getting worse.
My group – the Russian LGBT Network – has evacuated 25 men to safety and provided them with lifesaving resources. The donations we've received from thousands of All Out members directly fueled this work.
But another 30 men are still waiting to leave, and we're getting requests from about 5 new people a day, asking for help escaping.
There's a second wave of violence happening in Chechnya and people are terrified. Men suspected of being gay are being hunted down and arrested again.
The Russian LGBT Network partnered with All Out because they rely on people power. The united support of thousands of people just like you around the world has a very real impact here on the ground.
We're working under an incredibly hostile political environment. The journalist who broke the story about the torture and murder of gay men had to flee Russia after leaders in Chechnya incited death threats.
But they can't come after all of us, Luc. They can't stop you from donating today. They can't stop you from showing your solidarity with gay men who are at risk of torture or worse in Chechnya.
The men we're helping escape and survive Chechnya's terror and torture are in crucial need of support. Once they're out of immediate danger, many will have nothing. Together, we can help change that.
Thanks for going All Out,
Igor Kochetkov
Russian LGBT Network
