As cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise globally, it’s more important than ever to look out for each other. The most vulnerable members of our communities — including elders, the immunocompromised, and those who’ve lost work due to closures and cancellations — stand to shoulder some of the greatest burden from the coronavirus, and may need the most help and support in this time of need. Practicing basic hygiene and social distancing as much as possible are important first steps, but if you have the means, directing financial resources towards crowdsourced fundraisers and local and national nonprofits can make a vital difference for those who need it most right now.
Below, we’ve listed some ways you can help yourself and others reduce the financial, social, and spiritual strain of this pandemic. Though it’s by no means comprehensive, this list can be thought of as a starting point toward finding ways to financially support others at this time, whether queer or not.
Crowdsourced fundraising opportunities
Beyond the staggering public health implications of the coronavirus outbreak, folks around the world are experiencing significant economic burdens because of lost or reduced work. To alleviate these difficulties, some have set up GoFundMe pages to help soften the financial blow of widespread cancellations in hospitality, live entertainment, and sex work, among other industries. On social media, community members with large followings have created threads in which folks can post their Venmo, Paypal, and Cashapp usernames for donations. Whether you’re looking to support or for support, here are 10 crowdsourced fundraising threads and GoFundMe pages that offer valuable avenues toward grappling with the implications of coronavirus. (As with any crowd fundraiser, be sure to research the organization or individual you’re donating to beforehand; fundraisers and information here are provided for informational purposes only.)
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Emergency COVID Relief for Sex Workers in New York
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks
NYC Dancers Relief Fund (COVID-19)
Seattle Artists Relief Fund Amid COVID-19
COVID-19 Survival Fund for the People
NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund
Wuhan HIV/AIDS Patients Affected by COVID-19
Nonprofits and community organizations
In addition to donating directly to individuals hit hardest by the economic implications of the pandemic, those willing to financially support queer communities can also donate to existing nonprofits, whose work is arguably more important now than ever. Here are five organizations to consider supporting or reaching out to for support during this time.
“The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.”
“The COVID-19 outbreak has left vulnerable populations devastated, including the LGBTQ+ homeless population. Housing instability is already a major issue in New York City, but with the COVID-19 outbreak, it has put even more of a strain on social services and has left thousands of homeless and LGBTQ+ who rely on city services and nonprofit organizations desperate because of facilities closing, underfunding, and lack of sources...The Ali Forney center is an organization that provides vital resources to LGBTQ+ homeless folx where the city cannot compensate. There is not enough public knowledge, awareness or sensitivity to the struggles that LGBTQ+ homeless folx face because of discrimination such as racism, homophobia and ableism and the intersectionality of these issues.”
Trans Sistas of Color Project - Detroit
“During this public health scare, Trans Sistas of Color Project will be creating and delivering care packages to trans women of color in Metro Detroit. Care packages will be delivered starting Saturday. Trans women of color can message any of our board members to receive a care package. Special attention will be toward our girls who are sex workers, unstably housed.”
“Our House provides healthcare, housing, occupational therapy, and other vital services to those in need living with HIV.”
Your local member of Feeding America
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Mutual aid forms and Google Docs
When it comes to minimizing the damage caused by global issues like the coronavirus, some of the most useful channels are the most local. Here are three mutual aid forms, plus two informational resources designed to support folks who’ve lost work in both the music and nightlife industries.
Queer Relief COVID-19 Berlin - Getting Help
“This is the form for getting support so you can avoid going outside if you're immunocompromised, chronically ill, asthmatic or elderly. This will help reduce the number of severe and critical cases of COVID-19. We also give relief and help to people in quarantine. We are trying to help people AND we're linking people up with other people nearby who can help, and providing them with tools and guidance on how to help. This is a queer community effort. Priority will be given to people on the LGBTQIA+. spectrum, womxn, sex workers, refugees and other marginalized folx (i.e. BiPoC).”
Oxford COVID-19 community support
“We’re a group of neighbors in the greater Oxford area coming together to provide support, share resources, and ask for help during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Our admins are contactable at oxfordmutualaid@protonmail.com. Quin O’Sullivan and I are the current mods along with a small team of behind-the-scenes people – Quin has some medical training, I’m an LGBTQ healthcare advocate, but none of us are qualified medical experts and we're not a substitute for asking your GP or 111 for advice. We’re just helping lead this response and get local resources in one convenient place.”
Twin Cities Queer and Trans Mutual Aid
“The idea behind this is to crowd source some mutual aid for queer/trans/nonbinary folks in the Twin Cities area, who are affected by COVID-19 or the current situation. You may be immune-compromised, chronically ill, asthmatic, or in another kind of high risk group. You may also be quarantined for some reason and need help. If you need help, this is a non-judgmental place to ask for help and hopefully get it.”
“Classifieds to connect workers in techno, nightlife, and beyond with work during coronavirus. Submit by DM with title, text, handle, email, location.”
Virtual Music Events Directory
“My goal is to build a comprehensive, up-to-date resource for anyone seeking guidance on how to stage alternative music events in this moment of significant upheaval for the industry...While this directory will always be free and is 100% a labor of love, any gesture to help support its creation and maintenance is welcome. If interested and able, you can donate whatever amount you wish via PayPal, Venmo or Buy Me A Coffee.”
Get the best of what's queer. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
