On the day the Americans pulled out of Afghanistan in August of 2021, Joe texted some human rights colleagues to ask, “Are you okay?’ The answer came back quickly: “No.” Joe didn’t hesitate, and began a two-year rescue mission that saved 60 LGBTQI and women Afghan leaders from persecution, torture and execution by the Taliban.

Americans for Afghans helps provide the “missing link” to get refugees out of the country and on their way to western countries offering resettlement.  

Joe created and led a volunteer team with a broad set of skills to help the Afghans apply to refugee programs, get counseling to deal with their trauma, and navigate new lives far from home. He partnered with other organizations in the field like Rainbow Railroad and Rainbow World Fund. He also raised $1.5 million to fund this humanitarian effort, which will evacuate up to 1200 refugees per year, the largest evacuation of LGBTQI people in history.