Our name has been chosen as a homage to the historic Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. If you haven't seen the film Pride, you need to; you can also watch a documentary about LGSM here: https://vimeo.com/22972867. The name is not intended to be exclusionary -- indeed, all are welcome, including allies -- but to remember an important piece of our history and a time when we came together to help people who were suffering, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The current Syrian refugee crisis has highlighted refugee issues worldwide. We want to support refugees from places that are in crisis due to war or natural disaster (including climate change). We also want to support LGBTQ+ people who are fleeing persecution and intolerance in countries that are homophobic, biphobic, transphobic. To this end, we have partnered with the Metropolitan Community Church London to bring in as many LGBT refugees as we can. Our initial fundraising goal is $27,000 -- the amount that Immigration requires to sponsor a family of four. However, we are more likely to be sponsoring two couples or several individuals.
In practical terms, we hope this group will serve as an umbrella for local LGBTQ+ organizations or individuals who want to do something about the refugee situation. Whether you are organizing by yourself or in concert with an educational or religious organization, a business or community group, you are very welcome here!
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