Welcome to the new monthly Stories of Hope!
Every single day, activists that AJWS supports are making strides in the global fight for human rights. Many of those struggles and victories make the news, but countless others don’t. That’s why Stories of Hope is here; every month, we’ll deliver stories, videos and photos of AJWS partners from around the world to educate, inform and inspire you.
These stories represent not just the change that’s possible, but the change happening on the ground right now — the real-time impact of your support for AJWS. And as AJWS supports hundreds of powerful human rights partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, there is no shortage of inspiration to go around.
Will it always be good news? No. That’s the reality of our work together. But this month, we’ve got plenty to celebrate (including an historic victory for LGBTQI rights in Thailand!). Read on and take pride in yourself — we’re able to tell these stories thanks to your dedicated, ongoing support.
“Why change for someone else when I know I am shining?”
That’s the question that Indian human rights activist Ritu asks in this powerful piece about her own journey to self-discovery and acceptance. Today, she is a proud transgender woman, boldly living her truth and fighting for change amidst a deeply patriarchal society alongside AJWS grantee Humsafar. Read her story, and watch our video of Humsafar’s Gender & Sexuality Fair!
Celebrate Pride with AJWS in Bangkok
Just weeks before Thailand’s historic vote for marriage equality, the country’s LGBTQI+ community hit the streets to celebrate Pride. Join in with AJWS partners in Bangkok — click here for more photos from one of the biggest Pride parades in Southeast Asia.
MORE STORIES OF HOPE
- Get an insider’s look at how El Salvador’s transgender community has fought for visibility — and today declared they are “invisible no more.”
- Live a day in Masafu Okwara’s shoes in our latest Activists Up Close video! An LGBTQI+ rights lawyer, activist and community educator in Kenya, Masafu doesn’t waste a minute — she refuses to stop fighting for a better world.
The LGBTQI+ movement has had incredible leaders throughout history, including Harvey Milk. Share this inspiring quote to let friends and family know that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights.
Keep standing with us, and we’ll keep these stories coming. Though the challenges we face may feel overwhelming, we are making progress together every single day to build a more just world. Thank you for being a part of the AJWS community.
Onward,
Your friends at AJWS
