Help Latine LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers Thrive!

This Pride month, help us provide Safety, Community, and Stability for Latine LGBTQ+ asylum seekers by making a contribution to the OLAS LBGTQ+ Sanctuary Project.

Every year, EBSC and OLAS (LGBTQ+ Sanctuary Project) provide free legal and psychological support and a safe space to over 550 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people from Latin America fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. Our services help LGBTQ+ people attain legal status, receive support to recover from trauma, build community, and integrate into U.S. society.  

Asylum seekers have needs that go well beyond their legal cases, including housing and rental assistance, food and employment assistance, mental health, and community support. Many LGBTQ+ immigrants arrive in the U.S. with new challenges such as isolation, cultural-linguistic barriers, fear of homophobia and transphobia, and struggles with depression and PTSD. With the current political climate, this community now finds it harder than ever to feel safe and supported in this country.

Your support will:

1. Offer psychological support and community building through healing workshops and retreats to help LGBTQ+ asylum seekers build self-acceptance and cultural pride in community. 

2. Facilitate access to resources such as housing and rental assistance, Medi-Cal, food stamps, and cash assistance, as well as referrals to in-depth psychological support, domestic violence prevention, job training, and schooling – helping asylees meet their basic needs as they adjust to the U.S.

3. Amplify stories of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers to increase integration and inform more inclusive immigration policies.

You can help by making a donation, following us and sharing social media posts on Facebook and Instagram, or volunteering (volunteer@eastbaysanctuary.org). Learn more at our websites: www.eastbaysanctuary.org and www.olas-sanctuary.org. 

Thank you for helping LGBTQ+ asylum seekers find safety and community!