Dear John,

This #GivingTuesday, we're here to remind you that the holidays have always been a little queer—think of the sparkle, glitter, and pageantry. But when the glitter fades, for many 2SLGBTQI people it can also be the loneliest time of year.

Over 60% of 2SLGBTQI respondents in our research said they don’t feel safe being themselves. That’s because despite our communities’ resilience, too many systems, families, and institutions still tell them they don’t belong.

And this year, those messages have only gotten louder.

We’ve seen a sharp rise in anti-trans hate, harmful mis- and disinformation, and coordinated efforts to roll back 2SLGBTQI rights. Right now in Canada, trans and gender diverse young people are being denied access to life-saving care, queer students are being silenced in schools and hate crimes against our communities continue.

You can help us fight back. This holiday season, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000 thanks to the generous support of many donors. When you donate today, you help Egale: 
 

• Take legal action when laws threaten 2SLGBTQI communities; 

• Equip educators and service providers with tools and knowledge to support queer and trans youth;

• Conduct intersectional, community-based research alongside partners across the country to better understand 2SLGBTQI experiences;

• Create free public resources to challenge anti-2SLGBTQI hate and mis- and disinformation;

• Build a future where all persons are equal and none is other.

Whether you're giving in honour of someone you love or giving because you know what it means to feel alone at the holidays, know this: you're helping someone else feel supported and safe. Thank you for your generosity and thank you for showing up when it matters most.
 
If you’re making a gift in someone’s honour, we’d be happy to send a custom e-card on your behalf. Simply reach out to us at [email protected]
 
In solidarity,
Your friends at Egale Canada

P.S. We know the holidays can be hard. Our Rainbow Action Hub has free resources for navigating anti-2SLGBTQI hate, including our Difficult Conversations Guide.

Visit egale.ca/rainbowactionhub to access them anytime.