J-FLAG

Location: Jamaica

Focus: LGBTQI human rights in Jamaica

Website: http://equalityjamaica.org

J-FLAG are the foremost human rights and social justice organisation working for LGBTQI people in Jamaica. Established in 1988, they mobilise the LGBTQI community, improve access to services, campaign or legal reform and work to increase public understanding and acceptance of LGBTQI people. 

In 2020, GiveOut’s grant helped to fund the reconstruction of Rainbow House, J-FLAG’s office and community safe space following a fire. Despite these challenges, they successfully supported LGBTQI people, while also developing the organisation, raising visibility for the local LGBTQI movement and building the capacity of staff. Their human rights advocacy and activism efforts flourished. They also extended their programmes to parishes in rural Jamaica, and encouraged more young people to work with the community. 

According to J-FLAG, 7 out of 8 LGBTQI people experienced financial, social, mental or emotional impacts due to COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic. In collaboration with WE-Change, TransWave and Equality Youth JA, J-FLAG launched the #GiveOneHelpOne campaign, raising funds and distributing care packages to hundreds of LGBTQI Jamaicans in need. 

In 2021, GiveOut’s grant is supporting J-FLAG’s ground-breaking research into how their community is affected by and responding to the climate crisis. These findings will shape J-FLAG’s work in this area and provide vital evidence for LGBTQI organisations around the world looking to join the movement for climate justice. 

GiveOut is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registered Charity Number 1176434).