The LGBT Asylum Task Force will march in Worcester’s Gay Pride Parade on Saturday to demonstrate the plight of the international LGBT community. The aim is to highlight current hotspots of anti-gay violence such as Cameroon, Jamaica, Russia and Uganda. Several current asylum seekers will be marching with paper bags over their heads symbolizing the fear and hiding they live with daily both back home in their countries of origin, as well as while seeking asylum here in America. Others will march in solidarity for those still unable to be out and proud.
What: Demonstration/Pride Parade
When: September 7, 2024 at 11:00am
Where: Institute Park, Park Avenue, Worcester, MA
The heightened homophobia in intolerant countries worldwide, where legal protections and acceptance are lacking, forces many to flee their homes and seek asylum protection abroad. This surge exacerbates an already untenable situation for volunteer organizations in the U.S. trying to provide support services.
The LGBT Asylum Task Force, a project of the Hadwen Park Church, was formed in Worcester in 2008 helping over 60 asylum seekers from 15 countries. Currently the Task Force supports 8 asylees with housing, clothing, food, cell phone, and transportation at an expense of $4,000 monthly. The Task Force also attempts to locate pro-bono legal help and connect asylum seekers with various health and social services. All expenses are acquired through donations and fundraising since the U.S. federal government provides nothing to those seeking asylum.
The Taskforce marched in Boston Pride earlier in the summer and hope to replicate the success of that event at a local level, in Worcester.
For more information about the planned march and the Taskforce, contact:
Pastor Judy Hanlon
LGBT Asylum Task Force
508.254.0529 (cell)
gracelift@aol.com
Cathy Kristofferson
GetEQUAL MA
978.204.3940 (cell)
cathy.kristofferson@gmail.com
