LGBT Mesa Verde Detainee Fundraising Campaign

Jacqueline is a 33-year-old lesbian from Cameroon. Because of Jacqueline’s sexual orientation, she experienced horrific violence and was thrown in prison. Jacqueline wasn’t able to feel safe in Cameroon. Fortunately, she was able to escape to the United States.

Jacqueline asked for asylum in April 2016 and was detained immediately afterward. She is currently detained at the Mesa Verde Detention Facility in Bakersfield where she has been for over a month. She was recently visited on June 18th by Cameroonian lesbian refugee friends who found Jacqueline weak, emaciated, and feeble. Jacqueline said that it was the first familiar face she had seen in almost 4 years.

Recently, ICE granted her a bond of $3,000 in order to release her from the detention facility. Unfortunately, without any family and a very limited support system here in the United States, she is unable to afford this bond. She is currently receiving support from her friend, Cameroonian lesbian activist Gertrude who is willing to help her and welcome her in her home throughout Jacqueline’s asylum process. Gertrude, her partner, and their child themselves have limited finances and can’t afford the bond.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will be life-saving. It is wrong that during Pride month, LGBTQ asylum-seekers like Jacqueline are trapped in immigration prisons because of poverty. If you are unable to donate, please share with your friends and network.

Click here to donate. Thank you.

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