Last chance to save Tunisia's only LGBT shelter ~ CookingFood.Org

Dear friends –

It's illegal to be gay in Tunisia and anti-LGBT hate crimes are on the rise. Every day, young LGBT people are kicked out of their homes and face life on the streets.

That's why the work of our partners at Shams is so critical. They run the only LGBT shelter in Tunisia. Their work has literally saved the lives of dozens of homeless LGBT youth in Tunisia.

But due to the very hostile environment they work in, they've run out of money and will close their doors by the end of this month if they don't get support from us.

Over 1,700 All Out members have already donated to save Tunisia's only LGBT shelter. If just 230 more people join in, we can pay their rent for the next year.

Friends– help us get there by donating just €5 by midnight tonight.

– Matt

Previous email:
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Dear friends,

My name is Dali. I'm a 22-year-old gay man born and raised in Tunisia. Last year, my family kicked me out just because my voice was too "girly."

With nowhere to go and no hope, I tried to end my life by swallowing rat poison. Thankfully, I was found and taken to the hospital where doctors saved my life.

After being released from the hospital, someone told me about Shams, a local LGBT group. They run the only shelter in Tunisia for homeless lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender people. I got a bed right away and my life was changed forever. Finally, I have hope that a better and safe life is possible.

But the shelter could shut down by the end of February. After months seeking financial support, Shams' resources have dried up.

I'm hoping All Out members like you can change that.

Friends– can you donate €5 today to help save Tunisia's only LGBT shelter?

It's illegal to be gay in my country and LGBT people are often arrested for just existing. It's incredibly rare for families to accept LGBT children.

That's why this shelter is so important here in Tunisia. It's more than just a safe place to live; for most of us, it's the only family we have left. Shams is also helping me get back on my feet by paying for treatment for my depression and helping me find a job.

But if the shelter closes down, the 10 people who live here – including me – will be homeless again. And Shams won't be able to help any other LGBT people facing life on the street.

Please donate today to help keep our shelter open!

Thanks for going All Out,
Dali

SOURCES:

● Tunisia's first LGBTQ radio station keeps playing despite threats – Reuters, 27 December 2017
● Sousse: A gay man receives death threats from his family – Kapitalis, 03 June 2017(in French)
● Tunisia: 4 young people charged with the "crime of homosexuality" are behind bars – BlastingNews, 9 May 2017 (in French)

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