Support QT Palestinians & the First QTM Helpline
In the first two months after October 7th, our team—profoundly affected by the genocide in Palestine—has endeavored to provide our Queer and Trans Palestinian community members with essential support. At the end of last year, we organized eight events enabling QTMs to mourn together, find rest, and celebrate each other amid at least five genocides directly affecting our community.
We committed to hosting a minimum of one event weekly to ensure our queer and trans community members have continued support. We also have been offering complimentary one-on-one peer support to our queer and trans Palestinian community members and others most affected by this violence. Acknowledging that the genocide in Palestine isn't the only one impacting our community, we extend this support to our Armenian, Sudanese, Kashmiri, Congolese, and Indigenous communities in the regions known as the US and Canada, as well as any community members enduring the effects of genocide. Recognizing the intersectionality within our communities—where Palestinian families may also be Sudanese, Armenian, or a blend thereof—we aim to provide support that transcends binaries. For clarity, the peer support will be conducted by a Trans Palestinian with Sudanese heritage on their father's side and Armenian heritage on their mother's. Sign up for a session here.
To continue to build this form of support more sustainably, the MASGD team has co-created the first entirely peer-run Queer & Trans Muslim Helpline
Click here to support the first QTM helpline
This initiative comes in direct response to our community's calls for immediate aid. Initially set for a June 2024 launch to coincide with the elections, we are now accelerating the launch to February 2024. The helpline will offer peer support, a method where individuals with shared experiences assist others as they confront various challenges. Peer support prioritizes the individual's experience, recognizing them as the foremost authority on their lives. This approach to mutual aid is globally recognized, and we honor the traditional ways our communities have always supported each other through peer assistance.
Additionally, this consent-based helpline will empower our community members to seek support without the concern of police involvement, ensuring a safe and autonomous space for assistance.
More information can be found about the helpline here. Please spread the word about these vital programs to those in need within our community and consider making a donation to help us maintain these services.
