LGBT+ in Lebanon are at multiple risk due the war

Emergency Response Update: Lebanon Crisis

Since the first 48 hours of the war in Lebanon, the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) has been on the ground responding to urgent needs in a country where many of our beneficiaries live as refugees. We received countless distress calls from LGBTQIA+ individuals under attack—many of whom are disabled, isolated, and without access to food, hygiene supplies, or shelter. We knew we had to act fast—and thanks to your support, we were able to save hundreds of lives.

GEM immediately launched an emergency response program focused on LGBTQIA+ individuals affected by the conflict. Within 48 hours of the war’s outbreak, we began distributing emergency cash assistance to displaced community members to help meet their basic survival needs.

As the violence escalated, the needs multiplied. By October 25, GEM had provided more than 170 emergency cash grants and received over 400 additional urgent requests—each one from someone directly impacted by the military escalation and displacement.

To address the growing crisis, GEM expanded its response to include emergency mental health support, offering Psychological First Aid (PFA) alongside financial relief and case management services.

So far, GEM has supported over 300 LGBTQIA+ individuals in Lebanon through this emergency effort. However, we are now facing a severe funding shortage. More than 200 people remain on our waiting list—each in urgent need of support—and we currently lack the resources to assist them. Like many aid and LGBTQIA+ organizations, GEM is experiencing significant funding cuts, which are severely limiting our ability to continue this life-saving response.