Fundraising Projects
We currently have no active fundraisers- watch this space for our next fundraising project soon! You may find previous campaigns below.
Shinta Ratri, A home for trans elders in indonesia
Shinta Ratri is a powerhouse. As the focus of /Queer Episode 7, The Waria of Indonesia, Shinta’s work as an activist for the rights of waria and transgender women is well documented. Waria, who are a community of individuals who are similar in identity to the western concept of trans women, are a considerable community in Indonesia. In the face of a rise in conservatism throughout the country, waria and trans women have been struggling with housing, employment and access to religious spaces, as well as violence and aggression from wider society. Shinta Ratri runs the only boarding school for trans women and waria in Indonesia, where she pays out of her own pocket for their amenities, health check-ups and access to training for alternate careers to sex work.
Shinta’s next project is more essential than ever during the Coronavirus crisis. Trans elders and waria do not have the luxury of being cared for by their family members and many are made homeless. These are individuals who are at-risk not only because of their age but because of their increased rates of HIV and tuberculosis. These are women and individuals who are vulnerable and lacking a safe place to take shelter. Shinta can provide that, but at this point in time her funds are running low and she risks bankrupting herself if she continues to provide this invaluable service.
Please consider donating a small amount, even pennies, to Shinta’s cause. GBP and USD go so far in the Indonesian economy and your loose change could help feed and house some of the most in-need members of the global gender-variant population. These are desperate times- and your compassion can go a long way.
Elin & Midori, recognition of same sex marriage in Japan
UPDATE: Elin & Midori have since met their fundraising goal. Thank you to all who supported them!
Elin & Midori are two of the interviewees who took part in our upcoming episode of /Queer- The Queer Activists of Japan. As founding members of WAIFU, a feminist collective who are dedicated to the establishment and facilitation of trans-friendly, queer-friendly, accessible and inclusive club spaces in Tokyo, Elin & Midori have long been giving their free time to matters of queer social support.
Elin & Midori have been married for 20 years, originally filing paperwork in Japan, where they live. Elin filed a petition to change her name and gender in the US in October 2018 and changed this information on her passport. However, Japan has refused to recognize her gender transition on some documents, because doing so would result in de facto acceptance of same-sex marriage, which Japan doesn’t currently allow. This means that some of Elin’s paperwork says M and some F, even just within Japan- and their marital status is ultimately unclear.
Elin & Midori are crowdfunding for a lawsuit to sue the Japanese government and get this situation fixed. The goals are (1) to fight for recognition of Elin’s transition and get all her paperwork consistent with her gender, and (2) to ensure that they recognize Elin & Midori’s marriage in the process. This will result in the Japanese government admitting a same-sex marriage, which will be a big step toward full legal status of same-sex marriage, and possibly even become the legal challenge which forces the government to make marriage possible for everyone.
