One of the most wondrous incidental characteristics of travel is how it opens up the traveler to the experiences of the people of another place, for good and bad. Visiting Cairo three years ago, I was struck by how hidden, necessarily, gay life was there. Police frequently raided places where gay men attempted to gather and prison time was common for those arrested. How gays will be treated in the new Egypt remains to be seen, but there are still many places in the world where being openly gay – or just being suspected of being gay – can be deadly.

Most importantly, the situation is beginning to garner more attention and resources. In a Huffington Post article, Elton John is promoting a group that is at the forefront of the struggle for human dignity for those gays and lesbians who are hiding in fear from their governments and even neighbors: Kaleidoscope. Check out the article and Kaleidoscope’s site to find out how you can help out.