The LGBTQI community in the US has won numerous victories in our struggle for equal rights. And while we've been able to advance our struggle, the same isn't true for our community in other parts of the world. We must reach beyond the borders of our insular communities extend efforts towards our international peers. Moreover, it is important to remember that there are LGBTQ parents and unaccompanied minors who are being impacted by the current border policies, which place them at risk of not only detention and/or deportation but also discrimination against their LGBTQ identities. 

 
The Queer Detainee Empowerment Project (www.qdep.org) is working to address the various issues faced by new LGBT immigrants by connecting the LGBT community with these individuals who are forced from their homes due to violence and persecution, and who come to the U.S. for the relative freedom and safety of a more accepting place. QDEP provides post-release support, detention center visitation, direct services, and community organizing projects that work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Two Spirit, Trans, Intersex, Gender Non- Conforming, and HIV+ (LGBTQIA* GNC TS) immigrant prisoners and their families currently in detention centers, those that have been recently released from detention centers, and those at risk at entering immigration detention in the Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York). By becoming a sustaining donor, you can contribute to those of our clients who will be experiencing their first winter and seeing snow for the first time, buy a coat to keep them warm. Or your contributions may go towards funding Metrocard fees or cell-phone costs which will help our clients stay connected as well as attend appointments and/or interviews with doctors, lawyers, or jobs. Additionally, our clients who are still in detention need funds for their commissary so that they may have access to supplies and needs. 
 
How might your generous donations make someone's arrival a bit more manageable? 
We ask that you consider giving what you can so that we can provide financial support to QDEP's members!

QDEP is a project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which accepts all funds on our behalf.