Last year, Ellis Roberts-Wright started a project to make sure LGBTQ+ people disowned by their families would still receive a Christmas card during the difficult time.
While most of us take our families for granted, those who are estranged from theirs may feel particularly lonely during the festive period.
So the transgender 21-year-old has sent 4,000 cards to them in hopes of putting a smile on their face.
Ellis started the Rainbow Cards project from their home with the aim of reaching out to people who are on their own.
The idea was formed five years ago when Ellis was bed-bound with ME – a long-term neurological condition that left them unable to move or even brush their own teeth.
At the time, friends sent Ellis letters who was so comforted by it that they decided to start doing the same to others.
Ellis wanted others to feel the same warmth they felt and has decided to send cards to estranged people around the world.
Ellis explained: ‘When I came out as bisexual I was overwhelmed by how supportive my parents were and it made me think about the people who aren’t supported.
‘I think the youngest person I’ve sent a card to was 13. Fifty is the oldest.
‘The majority are in America but some are in countries where it’s illegal to be gay.
‘There’s a lot of people from religious backgrounds, a lot of people from the bible belt. There are also quite a lot in Britain.’
Last year, Ellis sent 4,000 cards to people in 35 countries. This year, they are planning to send even more.
Ellis continued: ‘I get emails from people or a card thanking me. But it’s for them, it’s not about me.
‘There are a lot of people who say “this is the only card I’ve gotten”. I’ve had so many people tell me they cried when they got it.
‘A couple of people said it saved their lives because they felt so isolated.
‘For trans recipients, it’s quite a big thing. A lot of them don’t have people in their life who call them by their own name, or address them by the right pronoun.’
Through the Rainbow Cards Project, people can sign up to become a recipient through a form on the website Ellis runs.
You can also sign up to write cards, which go to a PO box address. Ellis processes the cards and sends them to the addresses, which are kept private.
Ellis said: ‘I don’t give out addresses. My main focus is on safety. I wanted people from unsafe situations to be able to sign up without any fear.
‘I knew all the cards would have to come through me, so I’d need a PO box.
‘I think people don’t really understand people not getting Christmas cards is a symptom of a much larger rejection.
‘It’s not the Christmas cards, it’s that their family doesn’t love and support them anymore.’
Ellis also has a GoFundMe to boost the Rainbow Cards project, and anyone looking to donate can do so by visiting the GoFundMe page.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/26/transgender-person-sends-4000-christmas-cards-to-lgbtq-people-disowned-by-their-families-11961943/
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