Pink Planet--Another Way to Experience the World

Have you ever thought about volunteering abroad? Do you hesitate because you're gay or lesbian or bi or trans and you don't know if folks will accept you "out there"? Check out the newest Pink Planet column on how to "be the change you want to see" as Gandhi put it. www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/94592
Here are some more resources to kick-start your journey:
www.idealist.org
includes a searchable database with some LGBT focused volunteer opportunities, mostly in the U.S. but also in places like Ghana and Thailand.
www.MagnificentHill.ca
In northeastern Ontario, this lesbian owned farm welcomes all volunteers in their work-stay program, where visitors can participate in farm chores, gardening, trail development and construction projects for a weekend or up to 30 days.
www.cubaaidsproject.com
This organization sends delegations to visit and volunteer at Cuban HIV treatment centres, which have come a long way since the quarantines of the 1980's. The stringent requirements outlined in the website do not apply to Canadian applicants. For more information, contact Costa Mavraganis.
www.mardigras.org.au/internal.cfm?sub=Volunteer&nav=Be%20Part%20Of%20It
Sydney's Mardi Gras also uses international volunteers as parade marshals, medics, and assistants at the party (work 4 hours and party 8 hours). For most roles, you'd need to arrive in Sydney by February 20, 2009. Media relations requires a longer commitment: email marketing@mardigras.org.au. For information on volunteering in the workshop contact justin.green@mardigras.org.au.
www.cciorg.ca
Canadian Crossroads International provides information to help volunteers make informed choices on how they want to negotiate their sexual orientation in the host country.
www.psi.org/where_we_work/laos.html
Population Services International in Laos can use volunteers to teach English to MSM (men who have sex with men) and others. For more information, email bsihamano@laopdr.com.
www.ikando.org
This UK/Dutch/Ghanaian organization recruits volunteers to work with the local LGBT population at the Human Rights and Education Centre in Accra. According to Ikando founder, Laura Daly, the government has not targeted the Centre for its work on behalf of sexual minorities.
www.cwy-jcm.org
Canada World Youth actively seeks out young applicants from sexual and gender minorities as well as other equity-seeking groups, to ensure diversity in their volunteer teams.
www.culturalcanvas.com
Cultural Canvas offers work in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with MSM (men who have sex with men) and transwomen on sexual health issues. Activities include workshops, English lessons, and Gay Pride Week.
www.cetlalic.org.mx/3x3.htm
This gay-friendly Spanish school in Cuernavaca, Mexico, offers free lessons in exchange for volunteer work in their office. For more information on Cetlalic, see www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/253478
www.capetownpride.co.za
Cape Town's festival, running from February 20 to March 1, 2009, uses international volunteers for marshalling, set-up, clean-up and ticket sales. Skilled positions include personal assistant to the Director, media liaison, webmasters and administrative assistants. Write to queer@24.com.