Do More Mondays - #53 - The Kaleidoscope Trust

This week I'm making a donation to "The Kaleidoscope Trust" ~ it was suggested to me by a great friend and the timing couldn't be more dire. From another friends blog, I read about a second Ontario gay boy committing suicide. Two weeks ago eleven year old Mitchell Wilson took his life due to bullying - on Friday, fifteen year old Jamie Hubley killed himself after weeks of documenting his depression. It feels me with great sadness these very young individuals go through such discrimination. With every suicide, a space of infinite potential becomes an enveloping void that carries both a promise and a threat to our society. How many more will it take until respect for all regardless of sexual orientation can be attained?

The Kaleidoscope Trust is a major new initiative in the global campaign for diversity - encompassing cultures, colours, sexual orientations and creeds - launched in London in September 2011. They works alongside many other organizations (listed on their website) around the world, guided by local needs ~ capacity building is a key part of their strategy. Kaleidoscope also tries to restore and prevent the media from distorting images of hatred and the promotion of discrimination. Fighting prejudice and ignorance requires well-presented arguments based on reliable evidence; they've commissioned and promote research to counter hatred of homosexuals whether for cultural, religious or any other reason. Kaleidoscope also supports the exchange of individual and/or group experiences and advice through networking. By bringing people with wider experiences of politics, diplomacy and campaigning together, they can apple pressures of change on governments, international organisations and those with the power to make change a reality.

I challenge anyone to do more.