https://rainbowrefuge.carrd.com π³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβπRainbow Refuge is a group dedicated to getting our LGBTQIA+ friends to safety and away from dangerous states and situations. If you need the Rainbow Refuge to help evacuate you and your family please feep free to DM us here. π³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβππ³οΈβπIf you want to help Dm us or you can donate here by using the CashApp link $rainbroad or Donate to our GoFundMe page here: https://gofund.me/9200f76b
While weβre celebrating independence, letβs not forget those who are working to get free from states who deny their rights to their own identity. Want to help folks relocate to places that protect their rights? Help fund travel, housing, and re-employment for LGBTQIA+ refugees. GoFundMe - rainbowrefuge.carrd.com
It's June, so it's time for a little history lesson:
You probably know that June is Pride Month, but do you know why this month was choosen? It's because of theΒ Stonewall Riots that happened in June in the year 1969, in a bar called Stonewall Inn in New York (USA).
In the 60s, engaging in "gay behavior" in public (like holding hands, kissing or dancing) was illegal. Violent police raids of gay bars were common.
Especially trans women of color were regularly arrested and subjected to police brutality during those raids. Police officers would also sexually harrass them by taking them to the bathroom toΒ βverify their sexβ.
In the early hours of June 28, 1969 there was one of those (homophobic and transphobic) police raids happening in the bar mentioned above.
These riots are the event that paved the way for the modern gay rights movement. Within a few months, at least two organizations and three newspapers to promote lgbt+ rights were founded.
One year later, there was the firstΒ βChristoper Street Liberation Dayβ in New York (named after the street where the riots started).Β Their official chant was: βSay it loud, gay is proud.β
Eight years later, Sweden celebrated the firstΒ βChristoper Street Liberation Dayβ, the first Pride event in Europe. Nowadays, there are Pride Events all over the world.Β
Of course this is just a short and simplified overview. If you want to deepen your knowledge, there are plenty of ways online to learn more about the history of Pride Month! For example, here is an more in-depth article by history.com
It has recently been brought to our attention that certain organizations like the Rainbow Passage have been attempting to take advantage of trans people during these times. Please be careful about any information that you give to an organization. If something feels off please trust your instincts. The most important thing is your safety.
The Rainbow Refuge is a nonprofit organization full of volunteers. We are full of people who want to help our trans siblings get to safety. If anyone is in need of assistance please dont hesitate to contact us.
If you want to join the cause please click the link or message us here
[ID: a tweet from The Tennessee Holler. Tweet reads, βπ³οΈββ§οΈ INBOX: Weβre being told that Vanderbilt @VUMCHealth has sent emails ππ½ that they βregretβ to inform people theyβre being required to release records of any trans person on a state-sponsored insurance plan to the attorney general @AGTennessee βin response to a civil investigation.β
Screenshots of the emails are attached, which read:
This is to notify you that Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has provided a copy of medical records, including yours, to the Office of the the Tennessee Attorney General in response to a civil investigation. VUMC provided the records with the Attorney Generalβs assurance that the records would remain confidential as required by Tennessee law.
The Attorney Generalβs Office is investigating VUMCβs billing for transgender care services provided to individuals enrolled in State-sponsored insurance plans. The Attorney General has legal authority to require medical providers, including VUMC, to provide copies of documents relevant to an investigation, including patient medical records. The medical records requested from VUMC cover the period from January 1, 2018 to present.
The Attorney Generalβs Office is not permitted by law to disclose these medical records or make public use of them except in the discharge of its duties or in legal proceedings involving the state. VUMC has asked the Attorney Generalβs Office to return the medical records when the investigation is over and destroy any copies the Office made.
VUMC treats the healthcare information of all patients, including those who are members of the LGBTQIA community, as confidential in accordance with applicable Federal and State privacy laws, such as HIPAA. VUMC has established a dedicated phone line to answer questions from you and others whose records were identified by and provided to the Attorney General. That number is (615) 875-7679. Your complete medical record is available to you through the My Health at Vanderbilt patient portal or may be requested through the VUMC Center for Health Information Management using its online medical records request function which is available here.
As one of the nationβs leading academic health systems, VUMC is committed to providing welcoming and personalized care for every patient we serve, including our LGBTQIA community. We regret that your records have become part of the Attorney Generalβs investigation and stand ready both to answer questions you may have and continue to provide the care you need.
We here at Rainbow Refuge want everyone to remember that being who you are is truly brave. That in this world of chaos and darkness you are a light for being you. Even if you remain in the closet for your safety or if you yell about who you are from the tallest building you are all brave. You are all valid. And we are proud of you.
Happy Juneteenth everyone! We need to remember that the most common trans people to face the biggest discrimination is Blpoc. Trans people of color have always been around and have been the hardest fighters and activists for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Remember to regularly support black owned businesses and causes.
Remember to thank them for all the work they have done and are continuing to do.
Quick drawing of Inanna in a warlike mood for pride, because with the flood of political attacks agains trans people across the world, it is closer to how I'm feeling than anything along the lines of "Happy Pride Month"
Someone once said true revenge is living well. In these dangerous days we need to make sure that above all we survive. We survive to say that we are not so easy to kill. We refuse to go quietly. We refuse to lie down and take it.
We escape or fight back but whatever happens we endure. We survive. We live well.
The Rainbow Refuge is determined to help others live well. We help trans people and families escape from dangerous situations. By surviving we undermine the attacks against us.
Happy Pride Month to all queer Jews. Happy Pride to all queer Muslims. Happy Pride to all queer Christians. Happy Pride to all agnostics. Happy Pride to all those who believe in any part of God.
Whether you're trans or gay or pan, whether you're out or questioning or in the closet. Whether you feel safe to be yourself in real life, know that there are people out here who get it, and are supporting you.
Times might be a little tough right now, but we can work together to make things feel a little better. Just hang in there.