RUSA LGBTQ CORP

A core group of volunteers has led RUSA LGBTQ+ since its founding as a grassroots community organization in 2008. Fourteen years later, RUSA LGBTQ+ elected its first Board and was registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation in June 2022. In 2023 a thousand new asylum seekers joined RUSA’s moderated chat channels, events, and Pride marches, and received direct assistance through referrals and orientations. Additionally, RUSA engaged and served an estimated 3000 people indirectly through informational newsletters, social media, and online guides and resources. RUSA is seeking to increase capacity through stronger volunteer engagement to widen RUSA's existing response to this increased Eurasian LGBTQ+ community and their needs through: one-to-one Rainbow Connections program; weekly in-person community meetings; mental health support group; referrals to social services (HASA and others); referrals to English classes; accompaniment to services; translation, and interpretation; advocacy for people in shelters who experience issues with health, harassment, food and clothes; mutual aid; legal orientations; social outings and art programs. We also organize the annual Bright Beach Pride to increase the visibility of the Eurasian LGBTQIA community and advocate for their rights in the Russian-speaking parts of Brooklyn.