To come to the aid of the Ukrainian people, all means are good. While some people have hijacked Airbnb in an effort to donate to people affected by the Russian invasion of their country, others are using the gay dating app ROMEO for a different purpose: helping LGBTQ+ people flee Ukraine.
If you don’t know this application, it was made in Germany 20 years ago, as the site reminds us Queerty† It is used by 3 million people across Europe, especially in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.
In addition to its function of meetings, ROMEO allows its users to participate in forums to exchange as one might do on a social network. A week after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, the app created a group called “Shelter for Ukraine”. His mission: “connecting those who can shelter and a help “†
“When we heard the news of the invasion of Ukraine, like many, we wanted to do something to help. We are an international team, with people from all over the world. Many of us have known war and oppression. Connecting people is what we do, so we looked at how we could use the platform to connect those in need with our users who are ready to help. †
A ROMEO spokesperson at Queerty
10,000 people mobilize for queer people in Ukraine
In just a few days, the group was joined by more than 8,000 people, as evidenced by a screenshot taken by Queerty† According to Them“The number of members of the group has now exceeded 10,000 people and 3,000 housing offers have been made, ROMEO reports in a press release. For example, many proposals for housing but also transport assistance are formulated from Prague to Italy via Germany, but also France.
Accommodation offers are not only for men registered on the application. Many of them cannot leave the country and are called upon to take up arms to defend the country. “We understand some men got away with it, but many are still here”says ROMEO. “Some users send photos and updates. The accommodation offer is not only for men, it is also for their parents, their sisters, their children. †
This chain of solidarity is necessary, especially when we know that the fate reserved for LGBTQ+ people in times of war is particularly worrying.