A powerful photo project and life-saving rescue grant to mark Trans Awareness Month
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS, IMAGE BY JACK JACKSON
The Don’t You Want Me project in partnership with animal welfare charity Wild at Heart Foundation is rolling out an initiative to enable someone from the queer and trans community in the UK, who is struggling with mental health issues, the opportunity to adopt a rescue dog.
It’s anticipated that the arrival of a rescue dog will have a profoundly transformative impact not only on the recipient’s mental health but on every aspect of their life, and offer the dog a safe and loving new home.
Don’t You Want Me is a global social impact documentary photography project showcasing the beauty and resilience of LGBTQI people with their rescued dogs. Think Humans of New York except with powerful queer and trans narratives combined with adorable dogs – the project is bringing people to tears.
Since the initiative started, approximately half of the projects participants have said their rescue dog saves their life.
Nikki Tibbles, founder of Wild at Heart Foundation said: “In an incredible demonstration of reciprocal love and support, this campaign will provide one of our rescue dogs with a loving home here in the UK, whilst also providing a member of the LGBTQ+ community with a source of strength, friendship and healing.”
“Far more than basic financial aid, the Don’t You Want Me Rescue Grant aims to provide a complete practical and emotional toolkit to help transform the life of the individual who receives it, including ongoing mental health services and support via donated food, veterinary aid, training, day care, and more. We’re keen to ensure that this grant helps to remove some of the traditional blockers LGBTQ+ people may face when considering taking on the responsibility of adopting a dog.”
To find out more about the project and to get involved, click here.
