Neil Grungras, ORAM –
There are countless affluent places to see in the world, many of them exotic and luxurious. Why travel to an impoverished, struggling country – particularly one where LGBT rights are not recognized? For one thing, our visit can be crucially empowering for the people and places we see. For another, our travels are a potent reminder of the rights and privileges we enjoy, and of what will happen if we do not preserve them.
Brand g and ORAM (Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration) have partnered to let you sojourn in luxury while witnessing first-hand the issues for LGBT communities worldwide and gaining rare knowledge about the countries you visit.
ORAM protects LGBT people who have fled homophobic persecution in their home countries. These LGBT refugees are among the world’s most vulnerable refugees. In its highly strategic approach, ORAM provides refugees with legal assistance for resettlement while helping assure these refugees’ survival in their transit countries. ORAM regularly trains governments and refugee agencies, including the UNHCR, in LGBT refugee protection. These trainings aim to sensitize refugee professionals to sexual and gender minorities, allowing participants to become familiar with the LGBTI community through direct contact with LGBTI trainers, and to confront prejudices and stereotypes which often hinder humane refugee care.
The Brand g – ORAM partnership was officially launched in Turkey last fall. While Turkey is a beautiful country boasting breathtaking scenery and fascinating ancient cultures, it’s also host to troubling modern developments along with millions of refugees fleeing war and persecution. Today, Turkey hosts more Syrian refugees than any other country. Among these are LGBTs struggling to survive in extremely challenging conditions. Like other LGBT refugees, the LGBT refugees in Turkey have contracted HIV/AIDS. They desperately need our help.
Brand g patrons were fortunate enough to meet five ORAM clients at a reception in Istanbul followed by intimate dinners. Brand g patrons generously gave over $10,000 for assistance to these and other LGBT refugees in Turkey. Extraordinarily, some contributed their own antivirals to ORAM clients. We are proud to announce that three of those refugees have already been resettled successfully in the Netherlands, Germany, and in Canada. The last two will soon be on their way.
You and ORAM have saved tens of LGBT refugee lives in Turkey. With you, Brand g and ORAM, we will continue to conduct this life-saving work. Be sure to check us out on our website and Facebook page!
Website: http://oramrefugee.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORAMrefugee/
