Pause, take a moment and listen. This week I had the opportunity to experience a fraction of the work
@thisisabouthumanity does at the border. We witnessed heartbreaking testimonials of persecution from the residents of the LGBTQAI+ shelter #JardindelasMariposas, and some of the incredible journeys children have taken across multiple countries to get to get out of devastating situations. Knowing that these few stories are such a minor glimpse of the massive injustices happening around the world is nothing less than tragic. These stories are not exclusive to Mexicans, but our entire global community. The Tijuana / San Diego border is the most visited in the world with 50 million people crossing yearly.
In addition to hearing these incredible stories of strength and resilience, we were able to be of service. We prepaid food in their relief kitchen, opened in partnership with
@icfdn and
@fundaciontijuanasinhambre , where 3,000 meals are provided DAILY to children and families at the border. We visited a family shelter to deliver cupcakes and observe their living conditions. We painted, organized clothing donations and refreshed beds at
@casasymca_mx , a youth shelter supporting unaccompanied minors from the ages of 7 - 17.
This experience with
@thisisabouthumanity has touched my heart so deeply. Personally, as a gay man in a multicultural family, I have always lived in fears of aggression and abandonment. These fears, although real, now feel so minor compared to the stories I heard this week. Seeking asylum is a human right and we all must treat each other with respect and dignity. We are all a part of the human family and need to protect and uplift each other.
I’ve returned home not heartbroken, but HEART OPENED. Inspired and modivated by
@zoe.winkler.reinis @elsamariecollins and
@yscalibaja to create and continue contributing to such an amazing cause.
To help lighten the load of another, 10% of every bag sold
@the_all_the_things.club goes to
@thisisabouthumanity 
