Partners in Pride
Become a Partner in Pride
Champion health and human rights for LGBTIQ communities in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Stigma, discrimination and violence keep many LGBTIQ individuals in sub‑Saharan Africa from accessing the healthcare and social services they need. Unfortunately, there are documented cases where their safety has been compromised by healthcare workers who have refused assistance once their sexuality and gender identity are known. This prevents far too many LGBTIQ people from accessing vital HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
You can break down barriers. Make your gift and support the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s partner organizations in building hope and solidarity for LGBTIQ individuals. Your donation will help:
- Provide HIV and other health services
- Offer legal and psychosocial supports
- Further the movement for LGBTIQ human rights
Support LGBTIQ community organizations working for justice.
You can provide vital resources to the SLF partners operating in hostile contexts. With a colonial legacy of homophobia and transphobia written into law in many African countries, LGBTIQ organizations are a lifeline for the communities they serve. Your generosity will support those putting their lives on the line for human rights.
More than 30 countries
criminalize sexual relations between men.
Another 24 countries
have similar laws forbidding sexual relations between women.
Help meet the most urgent needs of the SLF’s LGBTIQ partner organizations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Security: Support organizations to keep their staff and those they serve safe in the face of discrimination and violence. Fund bail and legal fees for activists, assist in necessary relocations, provide medical care following attacks, and equip offices with cameras.
Mental health and well-being: LGBTIQ organizations have exceptionally long wait lists for mental health services. Your gift will help train peer educators in basic mental health support skills and organize peer support groups for people to be their authentic selves.
COVID-19: Lockdowns and social distancing have disrupted access to food and HIV medications. Support the SLF partners as they work to increase the availability of self-testing kits, distribute antiretrovirals, and buy staples for community members living with HIV whose livelihoods have been impacted.
Join the Movement
Last year, the LGBTIQ Africa Initiative supported 16 organizations in 5 countries.
Over 16 years, we’ve funded 1,800 initiatives run by 325 community-based organizations. You too can help fundraise and make a difference!
Join our SLF community and receive ongoing updates.
Meet Pepe Julian Onziema
Pepe Julian Onziema, Ugandan LGBTIQ human rights defender and Program Director, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) speaks about the power of solidarity in the face of violence, discrimination and stigma.
“What keeps the community together is love and love is empowering. Love is something that no homophobe, no transphobe, no hate group can take away from us. And love is power. Love is the power that is keeping us going.”
– Pepe Julian Onziema