DEADLINE: Hate crimes in Serbia

Dear friends – I just talked to our partners in Serbia and they cannot believe the support All Out members have shown. Already, 551 people have donated to help provide free legal support the LGBT victims of violence and hate crimes. This support is going to save LGBT lives in Serbia, a country wherealmost half the population think that being gay is a disease and hate crimes against LGBT people are rarely taken seriously. More than 70% of LGBT Serbians report being harassed or abused. Many experience violence at home, at school, or in public. And too often, the perpetrators get off scot-free. Our partners at YUCOM want to change that. But they can only do it with our support. Luc, if 449 more people to donate by MIDNIGHT tonight, YUCOM can provide legal help for 30 LGBT people in Serbia. Can you chip in today? – Matt Previous email: -------------------

Dear friends, When my father found out that I'm gay, he told me I was sick and sent me to Serbia's Military Medical center for "treatment." After returning home unchanged, my father began to beat me regularly. For years, he made my life a living hell, because I couldn't be "cured." But thankfully, I found a group called YUCOM (the Lawyer's Committee for Human Rights). They helped me escape the violence at home and take my father to court. My case is still pending, but I'm hopeful. Because YUCOM has a team of passionate lawyers committed to helping LGBT people like me throughout Serbia – the only service of its kind in my country. But without any official funding for this work, it might not continue. That's why I'm reaching out today, Luc. If enough All Out members chip in, YUCOM will be able to help at least 30 LGBT people like me. Can you chip in €10 to help provide free legal support for LGBT victims of violence in Serbia today? Many of my gay friends have been victims of hate crimes or violence at home because of who they are or who they love. Sadly, this shouldn't be surprising, given that half of the population here in Serbia believes that being gay is a disease. Young LGBT victims like me often have no one to reach out to. They're afraid family members, teachers, or even police will turn against them or not take their reports of violence seriously. That's why YUCOM's work is so important. They help victims of discrimination and violence with free legal support. This work saves lives. But they can't keep up financially with all the requests for help that they're getting. That's where you come in, Luc. If you donate today, YUCOM can provide support to 30 LGBT victims of violence in Serbia. Thanks for going All Out, Zlatko* *I'm not using my real name, for my own protection SOURCES: ● ︎Balkan countries see rise in hate speech – Deutsche Welle, 24 February 2017  ● 'The LGBT community is invisible': using data to fight hate crime in the Balkans – The Guardian, 30 March 2016  ● Country Profile Serbia – ERA, 15 November 2016  ● Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex People in Europe 2016 – ILGA-Europe (PDF) ● YUCOM website Want to support All Out's ongoing work? Our tiny team stretches every dollar to make it count. DONATE TODAY

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