Training on LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Humanitarian Response
In June - Pride Month - we once again remind ourselves and our partners of the importance of dignity, visibility, and support for the LGBTQI+ community. For the team at NGO "Art of Aid," founded by women and girls who have experienced multiple waves of forced displacement, these issues carry special significance. We know well what it means to start from scratch, lose your sense of stability, and search for new safety. That is why we pay particular attention in our work to people with intersecting vulnerabilities.
Among these groups, internally displaced persons who identify as LGBTQI+ hold a special place. Their path to adaptation is often complicated by additional barriers - from discrimination to social isolation. We strongly believe they deserve greater visibility, more support, and meaningful inclusion in the humanitarian response system.
This is precisely why our team took part in the training "LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Humanitarian Response in Ukraine", organized by Outright International with the support of DFAT Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland). The event was held within the framework of the LGBTQI+ Technical Working Group under the Protection Cluster in Ukraine.
The training addressed a range of important and sensitive topics, including:
- the barriers faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in the context of war;
- ethical engagement and interaction;
- avoiding stereotypes and mitigating risks when working with vulnerable groups;
- practical approaches to the safe inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community in humanitarian activities.
We are sincerely grateful to the outstanding trainers - Anna Sharyhina and Mykhailo Yurov for their openness, care, and willingness to engage in an honest conversation. It was a meaningful day, filled with new knowledge and thought-provoking dialogue.
The "Art of Aid" team is proud to be part of this conversation and to have the opportunity to share our experience of working with diverse target groups in the humanitarian response in Ukraine. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that humanitarian assistance in Ukraine is comprehensive, inclusive, safe, and sensitive to the needs of every individual.
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Contact us-
What kind of assistance do you provide in the city of Dnipro?
In the city of Dnipro, we operate a Protection, Support, and Adaptation Center for IDPs, where you can receive the following services free of charge:
– Legal assistance: consultations on IDP status, social protection, document processing, protection from discrimination, and handling gender-based violence cases;
– Psychosocial support: group meetings, workshops, women’s circles, and a recovery space for mothers with children, women, LGBTIQ+ people, and other vulnerable groups;
– Facilitation support: orientation in the new city, information about available services, and help finding free educational, medical, and administrative opportunities;
– Humanitarian aid: food, hygiene, and specialized kits for vulnerable IDPs.
All assistance is provided by appointment only. Information about events, available support, and registration is published on our official social media channels.
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What kind of assistance do you provide in other regions of Ukraine?
We provide support to women, girls, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups located outside the city of Dnipro. You can receive the following services free of charge:
– Online consultations with a lawyer, psychologist, or facilitator via phone or video call;
– Humanitarian aid delivered by post: food, hygiene, and specialized kits for vulnerable IDPs.
Our team works with the same attention, care, and respect — even if you are hundreds of kilometers away.
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How do I apply for assistance or schedule a consultation?
Fill out the form on the website or contact our team via social media or phone. We respect your right to privacy and secure access.
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Who can seek help?
We are open to everyone affected by war, loss of home, discrimination, or isolation.
In our work, we prioritize those who face the greatest barriers to accessing assistance and encourage representatives of groups that are often left unseen to reach out.
Priority is given to the following categories:
– Women and girls;
– Internally displaced persons from all regions of Ukraine;
– Persons with disabilities;
– Members of the LGBTIQ+ community;
– Elderly people;
– Survivors of gender-based violence;
– Members of ethnic communities;
– Stateless persons or those with an undocumented status.
We adhere to the principles of inclusivity, respect, and zero tolerance for discrimination. In our space, everyone has the right to support and dignified treatment while staying true to themselves!
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Is your help free?
Yes, all our assistance is completely free of charge. We operate in accordance with humanitarian standards and never request any payment, gifts, or “gratitude.”
We adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, discrimination, and abuse. If someone suggests a need for payment or you witness any misconduct, please report it immediately through the official feedback channels listed on our website.
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Is your organization officially registered?
Yes. We were registered as a non-profit organization in 2018. After the second relocation in 2022, we continued our work in Dnipro. Our founding documents, internal policies, financial and program reports are publicly available.
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How do you ensure transparency in resource use?
We report annually to donors, partners and society; keep records in accordance with accounting policies; adhere to anti-corruption standards; openly publish the policies that guide our activities. All decisions are made collectively and with the principle of accountability to partners and beneficiaries in mind.
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How can I support you?
You can make a donation through the “Support Us” page or contact us for partnerships, joint initiatives or targeted assistance. We appreciate any support and are always open to partnerships.
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Who have you already collaborated with?
Among our partners are IRC, UNHCR, GIZ, Ukrainian foundations, local initiatives, and international donors. All members of our team are professionals in the humanitarian field with many years of experience. We are open to new strategic alliances and know how to ensure high-quality cooperation and unite efforts for the most effective support of beneficiaries.
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Is it possible to organize a joint campaign or event?
Yes. We are happy to support initiatives that align with our mission: protecting dignity, supporting vulnerable groups, developing tolerance and inclusion. We can provide our space, gather a target group, and encourage volunteer initiatives. Write to us and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities.
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Where will the remaining funds go if the project is not implemented?
If the collection for the facility is not realized, the remaining funds will be used for other purposes of the organization in accordance with the charter / current needs.
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What is the official domain of the organization?
The official domain of the NGO “Art of Aid” is art-of-aid.com. Тhis domain is used for the organization’s official email communication and interaction with partners and donors.
Official email address: admin@art-of-aid.com
Our main website is currently hosted on art-of-aid.com.ua; however, the domain art-of-aid.com is officially registered and used by NGO “Art of Aid” as the primary domain for organizational email communication.