WORCESTER, MA – Launched by an elaborate cocktail reception with a sunset view of the city from the DCU Center, supporters of the LGBT Task Force dressed in stunning fashion to celebrate their sixth annual fundraiser. “We are the only such organization in the world,” explains Judy Hanlon, Hadwen Park Congregational Church Pastor and co-founder of the LGBT Asylum Task Force. “When they find us, they thought they died and went to heaven.”
The ‘One Dream, Many Paths’ gala serenaded the audience with a performance by the choir before a drag show by Dale Lepage, 2024 First Majesty of the Worcester Royal Court & Pride Worcester Pageant Winner. The dinner attracted an audience of 200 gathered to hear stories of those who once dreamt to find the address 6 Clover Street in Worcester, MA.
“It is in over 60 countries illegal to be LGBTQ and so folks flee persecution in their home countries and they come here and they aren’t able to get set at all,” says Al Green, Ministry Director of the LGBT Task Force. “We exist just to be able to provide housing and get folks connected to the resources they need.”
Even after a visa has been issued for asylum seekers to the US, it can be up to 180 days before they are allowed to work – with many fleeing carrying only the traumatic stories of their past. “Every one is a story of impact,” says Pastor Hanlon. “They’ve been chased out of their country. They have no ability to work here. They don’t have any food.” To offer shelter, LGBT Asylum Task Force has stepped in to offer mental health support, housing, a community, and food – at the cost of nearly $50,000 per month in financial aid. “It’s 180 days after they submit their asylum application – but most don’t end up submitting that application until one year after arriving here,” explained Green. “Quite literally takes about a year and a half, sometimes two years after arriving in this county before someone is at the point where able to work and support themselves. Most people – I know I don’t have two years worth of savings to be able to support myself – so folks wind up having to resort to stigmatized means to support themselves. It takes quite literally thousands of people coming together to do this work,” says Green, who was pleased to announce funds raised from the evening’s event passed their monthly need of $50,000.
To learn more about the LGBT Asylum Task Force, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 