Lebanese Expats Back to “Rebuild Beirut With Pride” Supporting Marginalized People Still Impacted by 2020 Blast

LGBTQ+ Lebanese diaspora and their allies have come together to raise vital money for those in Beirut still suffering the impact of 2020’s devastating blast. On Tuesday 4th August 2020 a large amount of ammonium nitrate at the Port of Beirut exploded leading to at least 218 deaths and 7,000 injuries. The explosion also caused over US$15 billion in property damage and is estimated to have left 300,000 people homeless.

Rebuilding Beirut with Pride is an LGBTQIA-led organization that focuses on supporting and raising vital funds for the Lebanese community. Following the 2020 explosion, the group was formed to rally support for Beirut and all impacted communities and have just launched their most recent fundraiser, an online art auction featuring work from a variety of Beirut and London’s emerging and mid-career contemporary artists.

“The situation in Lebanon has been rapidly deteriorating since the 2020 Port Explosion and the country is now at the brink of collapse due to a corrupt government,” organizers of Rebuilding Beirut explain.

“Throughout the country, there are shortages of food, fuel, electricity, medical supplies, and necessities. Food prices have risen by a staggering 400% between January to December 2020. For ordinary people in Lebanon, the situation is worsening day by day with 78% of the population estimated to be in poverty. For those who live in marginalized communities such as the LGBTQIA+ and migrant worker communities, access to support has become even more difficult.”

Registrations for the live auction have now opened with the event set to end on 30th October at 7 pm. All money raised will be split between three initiatives: Beit El Baraka, a charity supplying food, medical supplies and necessities, A Disaster Relief for Trans Community in Lebanon Fund and ARM Lebanon, an anti-Racism charity that supports Migrant Workers in the country.

Find out more about the initiative and register to take part.