Around the world, discriminatory laws, norms and practices lead to rights violations and violence against LGBTQIA+ people. They are “more likely to experience human rights violations including violence, torture, criminalization, involuntary medical procedures and discrimination,” according to the World Health Organization.

We support LGBTQIA+ people around the world — through initiatives such as:

• Psychosocial counseling for gender non-conforming people in Jamaica
• Sexuality education in Myanmar
• Pilot programming for HIV self-test kits in Timor-Leste

As we kick off Pride month, your gift today will help deliver critical care and resources to at-risk LGBTQIA+ people around the world. Will you make a donation to deliver lifesaving care and help ensure that everyone — no matter their identity — can realize their sexual and reproductive health and rights?

“During the flood, everyone in my village ran to seek shelter,” Ananya, a transgender woman, told us following disastrous flooding in Bangladesh last year. “But we were not allowed to stay at the same shelter.”

“Are we not human beings, and are we not affected by disasters?” Ananya said. “If so, then why are we excluded?"

Thanks to your generous gifts, we supported the implementation of a landmark project in Bangladesh’s Netrokona, Sunamganj and Sylhet districts, which helped address the sexual and reproductive health care needs of women and transgender people following the floods.

Together with partners, we distributed more than 16,000 Dignity Kits to flood-affected women and transgender people, ensuring recipients could access basic hygiene supplies such as soap, towels and slippers. Transgender volunteers distributed many of the kits, which also contained torchlights, shaving kits, mosquito nets and referral information for instances of gender-based violence.

“For us transgender people, life gets even more difficult during a crisis,” Ananya said. "It's not often that someone thinks of us."

Your gifts help ensure that no women or transgender people are left behind when a crisis hits.

Please, make a gift to help us kick off Pride month to deliver Dignity Kits and more lifesaving care and resources to LGBTQIA+ people in the regions where they’re most vulnerable.

This month, and every month, we stand for and work toward rights and choices for all. As UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem has said: By protecting, promoting and fulfilling the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people worldwide, we can secure rights and choices for all.

Sincerely,

Anu Surendran
Chief Executive Officer
USA for UNFPA