Mission - RV there yet?

The Caravan of Hope seeks to alleviate the burdens and stress experienced by the most vulnerable of us in the LGBTQ+ community and ensure that people living in rural communities have access to the resources they need to thrive. 

LGBTQ+ Americans live in every corner of this country and always will; there are proud LGBTQ+ farmers in Iowa and cattle herders in Wisconsin.  The sad reality however is that LGBTQ+ individuals in states without laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation consistently see greater disparities than in states with protections, including less social acceptance and greater economic vulnerability.

At the Caravan of Hope, our dynamic team is led by Angela D. Giampolo, the renowned Philly Gay Lawyer and a national expert on LGBTQ+ legal issues, featured on platforms like NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and Sirius XM. Angela is not just our founder but a trailblazer in advocating LGBTQ+ rights through her media presence, including hosting the SpeakOUT radio segment.

Alongside her is Niko, our Chief Bark Officer, a resilient figure with a heart for advocacy, balancing his time between philanthropy and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Together, Angela and Niko personify our mission: empowering the LGBTQ+ community with passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication.

2024 Tour Map

Underserved Populations.

Fifty-five percent of the LGBTQ+ population in the United States live in the Mid-West or the South, where they lack legal employment protections, earn less than $24,000 a year on average, and are less capable of affording food or healthcare.  

City dwellers can sometimes take for granted the privilege of living in a diverse metropolitan area, where for the most part, their sexual orientation and gender identity is accepted.  

Rural environments tend to lack resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and foster a sense of isolation.  That isolation is sometimes self-inflicted in order to maintain confidentiality, and as a result, special care will be taken to ensure that our outreach in identifying underserved populations is carried out strategically and covertly, if necessary, to maintain people's safety after the Caravan of Hope pulls away. 

Our annual tour across the U.S. provides legal guidance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Although we are not a pro-bono law firm, our dedicated annual journey is committed to helping underserved communities navigate legal challenges with expertise and compassion - a yearly voyage of empowerment and aid.

Why Now?

Many communities around the world have populations that are considered “underserved.”  The definition of this is that their voices and needs are often overlooked, and the designation of the group is based upon inherent attributes of the individuals in the population, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, etc.   In the United States, systemic racism, misogyny, and homophobia have been occurring since the inception of this country, and while progress has been made towards equality for all minorities, certain people have simply quieted their prejudice instead of overcoming it.  

The election of Former President Donald J. Trump gave rise and a voice to all those who have remained steadfast and tenacious in their prejudice, and as a result, we've seen an increase in hate crimes and violence in the streets and hateful, discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in capitols across the country.

In direct opposition to the bitter criticism, we've seen resistance in epic proportions, and the Caravan of Hope seeks to help the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ citizens by providing free access to legal services and competent counsel. 

What better time than NOW to take the resistance on the road?

Our Impact

The Caravan of Hope embarks on a mission to bring essential legal services directly to the most underserved LGBTQ+ communities in the United States. Our journey begins by collaborating with statewide LGBTQ+ agencies to pinpoint locations in greatest need. Prior to our arrival, dedicated canvassers will inform local residents about our services, ensuring they know who we are, what we offer, and where to find us. This outreach is crucial; it raises awareness and builds trust, a vital component in our effort to effectively assist those who might not be openly out or feel comfortable seeking help.

Our approach is discreet yet accessible. The RV, strategically located 30-45 minutes from the towns we serve, ensures confidentiality and safety for all clients. Recognizing the complexity of legal issues, we don't just stop at the initial consultation. We commit to ongoing support through online follow-ups, phone calls, and emails, aiming to conclude each case satisfactorily.

The Caravan of Hope goes beyond generic legal advice, offering comprehensive services, including uncontested divorces, adoption petitions, transgender name changes, LGBTQ+ employment discrimination support, and more. We're aware of the unique and specific legal challenges faced by individuals and pledge to extend every possible assistance. Join our journey of hope and empowerment.

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