Simon Harris, the operations manager for the Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund, is stepping down and moving on from his role with one final plea for funding that could help projects in Uganda and the UK. In a press statement, Simon writes

"After eight incredible years, I am leaving the Peter Tatchell Foundation at the end of May. It has been a rollercoaster: from being arrested with Peter in Qatar for calling out homophobia, to winning apologies for past anti-gay witch hunts from 22 police chiefs and meeting thousands of people committed to a fairer, kinder and more just world.

For every one of those eight years, I have been inspired and sustained by our wonderful donors. Your commitment to human rights has powered the PTF’s work, and our successes have always started with your generosity.

During my time here, I have made many friends in the LGBT+ asylum community. I am particularly proud that we have supported a small underground youth project in Kampala, Uganda, which helps young LGBT+ people affected by one of the most repressive homophobic regimes on earth.

Dauglas, who runs, is now expand the project at great personal risk. He is inspirational. Many of the young people he supports have escaped mob violence, family rejection, police brutality and, in some cases, the threat of murder.

But I want to do more before I go.

Dauglas wants to expand this vital work in Kampala. He has a clear plan to help more young people who have fled violent families, cruel policing and communities that want them dead.

The aim is for the project to become self-sufficient within a year by growing and selling farm produce and developing other community-led income streams. But they need a modest £14,645 to get through year one.

We also need to fund our own asylum support service here in the UK, run by my colleague and friend Pliny Soocoormanee. Quietly and without fuss, Pliny helps more than 200 people every year.

Our target is £30,000 by the end of May, which is also my final day at the PTF. Every donation will be split 50/50between the Peter Tatchell Foundation’s asylum support work and Out and Proud African LGBTI (Registered Charity Number 1169497), who manage the Kampala project.

Thank you for reading my emails over the years. Thank you for caring. And, in advance, thank you for helping young LGBT+ people in Kampala in the knowledge that you may quite possibly be saving lives."

We at ShoutOut and the network of community radio stations around the UK, wish Simon all the very best for the future.