The Process: Individuals, monthly, and quarterly meetings were invited to make donations to the newly established Bodine-Rustin Fund. These same groups were asked to make recommendations of “LGBTQIA+ organizations in East Africa, Central and South America, India, the Caribbean, and North America” to receive the funds. A subcommittee of Legacy Gift Committee and one Yearly Meeting Friends United Meeting representative were asked to research the recommended groups and discern recommendations for Legacy Gift Committee. The Legacy Gift Committee met and gratefully received the recommendations, and after its own discernment, passed them on to Permanent Board which made the final decisions.
The Hope: These relatively small amounts (total funds available for distribution were $5,047.40) will provide support for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies as they work to counter harsh and discriminatory practices against this population. It is our hope that the Bodine-Rustin Fund’s vetting of and NEYM’s support of these organizations will inspire Friends everywhere to take action and lend further support, financial and otherwise, as well.
The Experience: It was the experience of the subcommittee that for each of these organizations our donation, however small, will make an outsized difference. Almost all of these organizations are operating on a small budget, with volunteer staff, and little overhead. The funds dispersed might make the difference of a month’s rent, a plane ticket, or a safe place to be. We are grateful to those meetings and individuals that made both contributions and suggestions.
These are the groups we lift up to Friends Everywhere and to which NEYM, through our Bodine-Rustin Fund, has given grants as of May 2023:
1. Friends Uganda Safe Transport
Effective and making a difference. Although conditions in Uganda have been harsh for decades, new legislation passed on May 22 and 29, 2023, allows for life sentences in prison for taking part in homosexual acts, and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Founded by Quakers, Friends Uganda Safe Transport is a well-established organization with a great track record of helping people escape life threatening situations in Uganda for being who they are. Several of the other groups we contacted also affirmed the critical work of Uganda Safe Transport. They have very little overhead, so funds go directly to fill the needs and a little goes a long way. Funding Amount: $1,500
2. GALCK
Gay And Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) is the national umbrella body for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer-led (LGBQ) organizations in Kenya. A large organization, GALCK works on systemic levels including education about rights, advocacy, and litigation. Established in 2006, the coalition began with an initial membership of 4 organizations and has expanded to 16 in 2014, representing LGBQ voices from across Kenya. This is a big organization in Kenya with the equivalent of $1million budget, working on many levels for systemic change. Funding Amount: $797.40
3. Trans Asylum Seekers
Trans Asylum Seekers are an abolitionist mutual aid collective that supports trans asylum seekers. They use the model of mutual aid, doing fundraisers, to get basic needs met for asylum-seekers, like helping get green cards, funding rent, surgical transition, and gender-affirming medical care, and more. Everything is bilingual and done in partnership with asylum-seekers. The depth of relationships that have developed have been deeply moving to Mt Toby Friends who volunteer with this group. They have very little overhead, so funds go directly to fill the needs and a little goes a long way. Any amount is helpful –a current need is $1,000 for a woman to get her green card. There are more specific asks on web link. Funding Amount: $750
4. Out CT
They run on a shoestring. Their goal is to support youth to feel comfort and safe. They organize parties, outreach, annual dances, service projects, and work with Connecticut College on internships. They focus on the trans community, hosting the Pride New London parade. They have done fashion shows to raise funds, engaged local sponsors, and have an informative webpage. There is a high suicide rate for gay youth and this support is life-saving—perhaps differently than for those seeking asylum, but life-saving none the less. Funding Amount: $500.
5. Worcester LGBT Asylum Task Force
Worcester Meeting works with/is part of the Worcester LGBT Asylum Task Force, donates to them, and currently has two unrelated adults and a baby living at the meetinghouse. The meeting provides one of many housing locations but does not incur or provide for other financial expenses—that is all through the Task Force which arranges for housing at multiple sites and provides small stipends. Funding Amount: $500.
6. Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP)
The Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP) is a small nonprofit organization located in southern Vermont. Its mission is to cultivate a supportive community for those seeking asylum in the U.S., while offering basic needs and accompanying them on their journey towards building a life in this country. Currently CASP accompanies 20 people seeking asylum in the U.S. All of these people are fleeing violence in their countries of origin. Violence against the LGBTQIA+ population is the driving concern for at least 25% of the population they serve, in addition to several other asylum-seekers to whom they provide indirect support. Funding Amount: $500.
The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont (the three most northeast counties in the state: Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia) is the most rural, low-income and economically depressed area in the state. LGBTQIA+ folks are regularly harassed and discriminated against in this region. So, NEK Friends were thrilled when LGBTQIA+ folks in this region decided to come together last year and form the NEK Rainbow Coalition to (as their Facebook page puts it) create “a safe, welcoming space for our LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities along with our allies.” They have been meeting every other week with around 15 to 18 people showing up each time. Their meeting dates/times are published in the weekly paper and LGBTQIA+ folks are finding them. Through movie nights and meetings, they are building community together with some allies, including NEK Quakers. Now, they have decided to organize a first-ever public, family-friendly Pride parade and celebration this June 25, 2023, in Newport, VT. Funding Amount: $500.
Faithfully,
Leslie Manning, clerk of Permanent Board
Mary Link & Sue Rockwood, co-clerks Legacy Gift Committee
Kristina Keefe-Perry, NEYM FUM representative, convenor of Bodine-Rustin subcommittee