Support for LGBTQIA refugees

Community Initiative in favour of Lambda Warszawa

 Poland has opened its doors to close to eight million Ukrainians who have crossed its borders since 24 February 2022. At the same time, Poland stands at the bottom of the ranking among European Union members when it comes to LGBTQIA+ equality, according to ILGA Europe.

This juxtaposition means that for LGBTQIA+ Ukrainians, reaching safety does not necessarily mean being safe. Therefore, the work of Lambda Warszawa, the oldest organization helping the LGBTQIA+ community in Poland, is more important than ever.

At the outbreak of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, Lambda Warszawa stepped up to an unfathomable challenge. Since then, it has provided support to over 1,000 LGBTQI+ Ukrainians through a series of initiatives, which include shelters, physiological and legal aid, Polish lessons, support groups, as well as access to food and clothes. Since January 2023, Lambda Warszawa runs a work centre, where LGBTQIA+ Ukrainians have the possibility to work in an LGTBQIA+ friendly space.

As time goes by and the end of the invasion does not seem in sight, challenges keep exacerbating. This includes a higher number of LGBTQIA+ Ukrainians needing support, and it also means a transition from short-term aid to mid and long-term solutions. Lambda Warszawa is preparing to face what lays ahead by continuing with its original efforts and adding some more to the already long list, including by engaging psychiatrists and procuring additional accommodation. And yet, Lambda Warszawa's main challenge is obtaining long-term funding.

In this context, Spectrum, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development staff network for LGTBQIA+ staff and allies, has launched a Community Initiative to fundraise in favour of Lambda Warszawa. The Communitive Initiative will match all eligible contributions on a 2:1 basis. This means that for every eligible dollar/euro/zloty/pound received, Lambda Warszawa will receive three.

Please join us in helping Lambda Warszawa in its efforts to ensure that LGBTQIA+ Ukrainians reaching safety in Poland also find a safe space to breathe, heal and thrive.