🏳️‍🌈 “Pride is empowerment” 🏳️‍🌈

Thank you for everything you do to support the freedom and autonomy of all people. "Pride is empowerment, for me. When you take ownership of who you are, what you think and feel, you've already won the battle." —Jesús, an artist who leads workshops for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Colombia [A man from Columbia holds a pride flag behind his head]( {NAME}– Each person is an expert in their own lives, and everyone deserves to build the future that's right for them with safety and dignity. That unshakeable principle is at the core of the IRC and our work. It's also at the heart of Pride. By working with LGBTQ+ communities around the world, our programs support individuals and families who have experienced violence, displacement and discrimination. As part of that work, LGBTQ+ people are supporting one another and reshaping their communities. 🏳️‍🌈 {NAME}: Thank you for everything you do to support the freedom and autonomy of all people. 🏳️‍🌈 I wanted to share this powerful impact story with you: Jesús is an artist and educator living in Colombia. He resettled there after leaving Venezuela in search of opportunity and better health care—he's HIV positive—and has found new purpose working for other members of the LGBTQ+ community. [Read more about how Jesús empowers the LGBTQ+ community through art in Colombia >>]( [Jesus sits next to a girl who is making art]( Moving to a new city in a new country can be difficult, and Jesús struggled when he first arrived in Bogotá. That changed when he found work with Red Somos, one of the organizations with whom the IRC has worked with in Colombia that is committed to advancing the recognition and acceptance of sexual and gender diversity, as well as improving sexual health and empowering communities. Jesús does community outreach, conducts art workshops and facilitates a group that provides a platform for LGBTQ+ men to openly discuss sexual health and other topics that are often considered taboo. For Jesús, the best part of his work is when he can connect with people to build a safe space where everyone can feel supported. "I can talk freely, feeling that whatever I say, I won't be judged or feel rejected," he says. [Read more about his life changing decision—and life changing art workshops >>]( Jesús resettled in Colombia in search of adequate health care, better prospects and a community where he could express himself freely. Through community support, he has found all that—and is now helping others do the same. That's worth celebrating and honoring, during Pride Month and all year long. The IRC is proud to support LGBTQ+ communities around the world and fight for their rights. Thank you for all you do. —Hank @ IRC The International Rescue Committee | [Rescue.org]( 122 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10168-1289 USA To ensure future delivery of IRC e-mails, please add our reply address updates@rescue.org to your Address Book. [Click here]( for U.S. federal and state compliance notices [Manage my preferences]( or [unsubscribe](