On the 4th of August, one of the biggest catastrophes for Lebanon occurred.

A warehouse explosion killed over 100 people and injured over 4000 in Beirut’s port district. Videos that were shared on social media and news sites show the gravity of the blast and the devastation caused by it, bodies are still being found and the city remains in ruins.

The explosion not only caused destruction but deteriorated the state of a country that has been suffering for years and years. Lebanon has been facing one of the worst economic crises since the civil war that ended in 1990, it’s suffering the social and economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its political landscape is stained by corruption and instability.

Eyewitnesses compared the explosion to a war alarm and a flash-back to the bombings of 2006, explaining the realities that the Lebanese community has faced and continues to. The path to recovery from this catastrophe is a difficult one that will require support from the entire world, here are ways in which we can all help:

Raising Awareness

Beirut Was in a Huge Economic Crisis — Then the Explosion Hit via Vice News

Raising awareness on the occurred and providing everyone in your surroundings with accurate and useful information can help, even more, than you may think. It can help you and others to be educated about the situation, it can lead you to money donations or social and moral contributions, it can even directly help inform the Lebanese people of organizations and local people that are willing to support them with shelter and food.

But do not confuse an Instagram post with raising awareness. Although the videos and images have already gone viral, sharing them on your story with a hashtag just isn’t enough. We’re talking about a devastated community, real people that have been broken down and need a serious contribution that goes beyond a screen. So share useful links like petitions, share accurate data, and educate yourself with the context and history of the country without treating this as a singular event.

Donations

We should not only use our own knowledge to raise awareness but also take advantage of all resources and contribute with donations, who are dedicating their platforms to raise funds to help the people recover from the devastating effects to their communities.

Here are the Organisation’s and Charities to donate to:

Impact Lebanon, a non-profit organisation that started a JustGiving relief fund.

Lebanese Red Cross, acts as the main provider of ambulances in the countryAUBMC, Caring for the people of Lebanon

Or you can donate to one of the many ​organisations and funds​ shared by local activists and NGOs.

Direct action

If you are located in Lebanon or know people that reside in the country or nearby, who haven’t been affected or injured by the blast, volunteer and involve everyone else who can to do the same. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities, organisations that have organised a front line such as the ​Lebanese Red Cross​.

Another direct way to help is through blood donations, giving blood to the ones who need it is vital due to the increased demand of blood transfusions if you are in Lebanon and have the possibility to donate. ​

Here​ you can find more information on the procedure and the possible places in need​. Words by Chiara Ferrari

Images from Official Sites

The post Lebanon Crisis: How We Can Help the People of Beirut appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As the wind of the Black Lives Matter protests keeps rising in America and around the world, the beginning of Pride Month marks a new addition to the movement in support of Black trans people.

Together, the LGBTQ+ community and the BLM movement have been the protagonists of this week’s latest protests. Activists have rallied in multiple cities across the U.S. to highlight undermining issues that affect Black LGBTQ+ individuals, such as police brutality, discrimination, and racism.

Thousands of people have marched for change and justice following the killing of two Black trans women, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, 27, and Riah Milton, 25. Fells was found dead on the shore of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, while Milton was shot several times in a robbery attempt in Ohio.

Dominique Fells and Riah Milton Illustrations by African@AAPolicyForum

Their deaths fuelled anger among the Black and the LGBTQ+ communities, especially after the police misgendered the victims and following the decision of President Trump to allow health care providers to deny support for trans individuals.

It’s not the first time Black trans people have been targeted or discriminated by the police: earlier in March, three other Black trans individuals were murdered and their names never got to be remembered.

As reported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in 2020 there’s been at least 15 transgender or gender non-conforming people murdered by violent means, but many other stories may still be unreported.

However, united in a country-wide protest, people are demanding to have justice, to say their names, and to show love to Black trans lives. On June 14, an estimated 50,000 people manifested in New York City, Los Angeles and Brooklyn, equipped with colourful signs and white t-shirts as a nod to the 1917 silent protest parade organised by the NAACP.

The peaceful protests and silent vigils were also accompanied by Drag marches, speakers and Pride Liberation manifestations, and will continue to protest in the next couple of days.

Some of the organisations present at the rallies included: the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, The Okra Project and Black Trans Femmes.

‘All Black Lives Matter’, the powerful statement painted on Hollywood Boulevard, LA, is the background for these protests which have now flooded social media feeds.

On Twitter, the families and friends of the victims share some thoughts and memories, inciting people to call for justice. The hashtags and serve as a tribute to them but also to get people involved in the protests.

Between protests, petitions and donations, there are many ways you can spread awareness to help the movement: with the many LGBTQ+ organisations involved, you can financially support the community by visiting their website and make a donation.

Donate here: • The Okra Project

• The Black Trans Travel Fund • Black Visions Collective • All About Trans • The Marsha P. Johnson Institute • GoFundMe (for Fells and Milton’s funerals)

You can also share the number for the first transgender suicide hotline in the U.S., the

Trans Lifeline. Reach at 877-565-8860.

Additionally, these are some of the petitions you can sign:

Justice for Pete

Protect Black Trans Women!

More protection for Black Trans Women UK

Words by Gennaro CostanzoCover by Clare Stephenson

The post Black Trans Lives Matter: How To Donate To Support The Movement appeared first on Voir Fashion.