Make a BIG difference for a small number of people
Reaching Out Winnipeg (ROW) is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization that makes a big difference for a small number of people. These differences, in most cases, are life saving and always life changing.
ROW was created in 2012 to help our sisters and brothers from other countries who face serious persecution and intense discrimination, based on sexual orientation or gender identity. People within the sexual orientation/gender identity minority (SOGI) are abused in many countries around the world. Few people are aware how awful the situation really is. There are many countries with laws designed to persecute SOGI people.
What We Do
ROW’s objective is to create an increased number of permanent resettlement opportunities for SOGI asylum seekers here in Winnipeg.
Newly sponsored people to Winnipeg are provided financial and social supports for a full year. The costs per person for the year can well exceed $20,000. ROW members help with physical and mental health care needs, finding suitable accommodation, employment, as well as the many other steps in the adjustment to a new life in Canada.
If you’re able to financially help, please do so here.
Map of Sexual Orientation Laws Around the World
Why We Do What We Do
For instance, in eight countries SOGI people face the death penalty. In 72 countries SOGI people can legally be punished with imprisonment, sometimes for life, and public torture. It is legal to refuse employment, education, accommodation, or other basic rights, as well. In 45 countries these laws are applied to women as well as men. Aside from the legal considerations, there are also horrible cultural practices. In some parts of the world, even family members commit honour killings, corrective rape, blackmail, extortion and forced marriage against those suspected of being SOGI.
Because of these terrible circumstances, many SOGI asylum seekers flee their homes to other countries nearby. Often, these second countries are unable to provide permanent safe settlement for them. They are forced to seek permanent residence in a third country, like Canada, the USA, Australia, and some other European nations. There are many barriers on the road to acceptance of asylum seekers in these countries, including Canada, and the process is never guaranteed. It is arduous, emotionally exhausting, and usually takes several years.
Asylum Seeker Resources
As a small organization, Reaching Out Winnipeg (ROW) is only able to sponsor a select group of SOGI asylum seekers. ROW usually works with the Canadian Government in our sponsorships; the process is long and requires careful attention to all details.
If you are a SOGI person looking to seek asylum in Canada, please visit Rainbow Refugee.
Also, we would suggest that you search on the internet: “Canadian Immigration and Refugees” for further information.