Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street is an international NGO that provides a lifeline for exceptionally vulnerable LGBT people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Rainbow Street works with local activists and partners to provide shelter, food, clothing, health care, migration services, community support and other essential resources to people facing extreme discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender expression. Vision Rainbow Street is creating a world where LGBT people everywhere are treated with dignity and compassion by all. We look forward to the day when LGBT voices are valued and celebrated across the globe at all levels of society, media, and politics. Mission Rainbow Street partners with local activists and care providers in MENA to develop immediate and long-term solutions for queer and trans communities who experience systemic persecution and disenfranchisement due to perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. Our Work Rainbow Street joins together international solidarity with localized expertise to promote 6 core programming goals: 1. Direct Aid Mobilize to provide regular cash stipends to exceptionally vulnerable LGBT people to alleviate the challenges of homelessness, food insecurity and other barriers to dignity and self-determination. 2. Information Maintain a secure database of local LGBT-competent service providers; provide counseling and referrals to individuals in need. 3. Health Work with local service providers to promote the mental and physical health of local LGBT community members. 4. Community & Self Expression Foster trusting relationships by providing secure opportunities for community dialogue and self-expression. 5. Media Nurture public acceptance of LGBT people by promoting humanizing portrayals of LGBT people in local media outlets 6. Education & Advocacy In the MENA region, teach LGBT sensitivity to local leaders and organizations; internationally, advocate for the rights and protections for LGBT people everywhere