Hey comrades :)!!!

It’s been a couple of days since my last update about the eight queer refugees in Gorom and I’ve been checking in with them as I usually do.

First, I want to thank everyone who has continued reading, bumping, sharing and helping keep their story visible. I see you coming back to these posts and I genuinely appreciate you not letting their situation get forgotten.

For anyone this for the first time , I connected with these eight people through the queer refugee community after they arrived in Gorom from Kakuma, Kenya. Since we started talking, I’ve stayed in contact with them and they reach out to me to share what they’re experiencing and the challenges they’re facing. That’s how I’ve been able to keep you updated.

Sometimes our conversations are about their immediate needs, like finding food. Other times, they tell me about the difficulties they’re facing simply trying to feel safe and get through each day. I can’t be there with them physically, but I do my best to listen, check on them and share their situation with people who might be able to help.

Today, I have a little good news to share.

When the support from our previous donation finally reached us, I sent it to them so they could buy food and cooking gas. They were so happy and grateful. They told me they didn’t have enough words to thank the person who stepped in to help them.

They were relieved that, at least for now, they could have something to eat and cook.

Reading their message meant a lot to me. It reminded me that something that might seem small to one person can mean so much to someone who has been struggling to meet their most basic needs.

To the comrade who made that donation, thank you. And to everyone who has been helping keep their story visible, thank you for continuing to stand with them.

I also noticed another kind donation of $25 that I hadn’t mentioned in my previous update. Thank you so much to the comrade who contributed. That brings the remaining fundraising goal from $2,890 down to $2,865. Every contribution helps us move forward and I’m grateful for this kindness.

Unfortunately, I also have something worrying to share.

David recently told me that the trans woman who was seriously injured during the earlier attack still isn’t doing well. The side of her face around the injured eye continues to hurt and she’s having difficulty seeing clearly from that side.

They’ve bought painkillers for her, but David says the pain returns after a few hours.

I’m worried about her. She needs proper medical assessment as soon as it can be arranged safely. I wish I could take her to get the care she needs myself, but I’m in Juba and I’ve been trying to find ways to help them from here.

This is one of the reasons I don’t want to stop sharing their story. Getting food was an important step but they still need safety, medical care, shelter, and other basic necessities.

We’re still trying to raise $2,865 specifically for these eight refugees. We’re hoping to use the support for safer accommodation, food, clean water, mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, clothing, medical needs, and cooking essentials. We also hope to help David restart his bakery work so he can begin earning an income again.

If you’re able to donate, the support link is in my profile. If anyone knows LGBTQ+ organization that might be able to help, please reach out to me.

And if donating isn’t possible, please keep bumping or sharing this post. Your support helps their story reach people who may be able to do something practical.

One small note: the fundraiser page is still being updated, so some older information may appear for now.

Thank you, comrades, for continuing to listen to their stories and help keep them visible. I’m grateful that your kindness has already helped them get food and I hope we can keep moving forward together.

They still need us, and I’m going to keep doing what I can to help them find support.