How we help

The Bessy Ferrera Emergency Fund offers life-saving assistance to brave activists who refuse to back down in the face of discrimination and injustice. As oppression and exclusion increase, it is crucial that they receive the support they need to continue their work. The struggle for equality, dignity, and freedom of expression must never be lost.

Immediate aid when it’s needed most

We step in with direct assistance when activists find themselves in life-threatening situations, such as:

• Covering medical expenses after violent attacks
• Replacing stolen or destroyed equipment, ensuring activists can continue their work safely
• Providing financial support for legal aid and protection
• Offering emergency relocation, safe housing, and mental health support

A legacy of resistance: Bessy Ferrera

This fund honors the legacy of Bessy Ferrera, a trans activist and sex workers rights advocate from Honduras who was murdered in 2019. She dedicated her life to fighting for the rights and dignity of trans people, sex workers, and those living with HIV. Her courage and dedication live on through the activists we support worldwide. Since 2022, we have helped more than 100 activists and organizations in crisis, ensuring they can keep fighting for human rights and justice.

Join us in protecting lives

LGBTIQ+ activists should never stand alone in their struggle. With your support, the Bessy Ferrera Emergency Fund can continue to provide critical aid to those facing persecution. Stand with us — your contribution helps protect lives and sustain the movement for justice.

For more information, please contact the Bessy Ferrera Fund Team at BFF@hivos.org.