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Daniela
Apr 16, 2020

LGBTQ*-run Sanctuaries


Sanctuaries exist all over the world, however, they are rarely ever included in the public conversation on non-human animals. Their existence is in fact neither planned for nor wanted in a world where other animals are regularly exploited and then killed as their value is often only defined by how much they benefit human animals. By providing a home to those animals, sanctuaries take a stance against the system of animal exploitation. After a life of exploitation, many of these animals - such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chicken - struggle with illness and are cared for and fostered by the people who run the sanctuaries. This is often the first time they experience love and care from humans.


In a world that normalizes the exploitation of other animals for human benefit and profit, sanctuaries provide a glimmer of hope and are in a way a lived utopia. This is why we want to introduce you several LGBTQ*-run sanctuaries.


In the current crisis it is especially important to support these and other sanctuaries, which in large parts rely on donations to survive. Those who run and live at the sanctuaries would benefit a great deal from sponsorships or other ways of support. If you know futher sanctuaries to be included on this list, please send us an email.


Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (USA)


This sancturary was founded in 2017 by Sarah Salluzzo and her partner Jonina Turzi. Ever since then Lancaster Farm Sanctuary has been home to liberated cows, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and turkeys.

In their actions towards other animals they follow the buddhist traditions of:

  • Ahimsa (non-harming)

  • Satya (truth telling)

  • Asteya (non-stealing)

Photocredit: Facebook Lancaster Farm Sanctuary


Gnadenhof Melief e.V. (Germany)

Gnadenhof Melief was founded by Marc Winters and Lothar Vermeulen and is located in Sögel (Emsland) . The sanctuary is home to more than 1,250 animals. Melief was the name of a goat who made a wondrful recovery and spent many happy years at the sanctuary after arriving there with signs of severe neglect. The sanctuary provides not only for cows, dogs, and cats, but also guinea pigs, swans, ponys, donkeys, and different bird species.


Photocredit: Facebook Melief Animal Sanctuary


VINE Sanctuary (USA)


pattrice und Miriam Jones founded their first sanctuary 'Eastern Shore Chicken Sanctuary' in 2000. In 2009 they moved the sanctuary to Vermont um and renamed it to VINE Sanctury. VINE is short for "Veganism Is the Next Evolution".


pattrice jones is not only the co-founder of these sanctuaries, but has also been active since the 1970 and has written books on activism, speciesism and interconnections of oppression. She also regularly blogs about speciesism and other forms of oppression on the VINE Sanctuary blog.


Photocredit: Facebook Vine Sanctuary, Pax Ahimsa Gethen (Wikipedia)



Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary (Canada)


This sanctuary may be one of the most widely-known of its kind in the queer-vegan community. Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary is home to Esther the Wonderpig, who may well be the most well-known pig-lady after Miss Piggy.


In 2013 Steve Jenkins surprised his husband Derek Walter with a 'micro pig', but Esther soon grew up to be a 600 pound pig. To better provide for Esther's needs, Steve and Derek moved away from Toronto, bought a farm and started Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary in the countryside. Esther, Steve, and Derek have been living at the sanctuary since 2014 who they now also share with many of their siblings from other species.


Photocredit: Facebook Esther the Wonderpig & Happy Ever Esther Sanctuary



Foreverland Farm (USA)


This sanctuary was founded by Brittney Kane, who has been rescuing other animals for all her life. She and her wife have now bought a small farm in Ohio (USA) and are now providing a home to animals who have been neglegted, exploited or who were destined to be killed as 'farmed animals'. Foreverland Farm is home to donkeys, chickens, pigs, sheep and goats.

Photocredit: Facebook Foreverland Farm



Happy Compromise Farm (USA)

Happy Compromise Farm was founded by Eryn Leavens and Oliver Gawlik in 2019. The sanctuary located in Oregon and is home to more than 60 liberated chickens and other animals. Eryn and Oliver also grow flowers and vegetables, offer overnight stays for guests at the sanctuary and sell a variety of zero-waste and non-toxic products for the home. Oliver is a trans.

Photocredit: Facebook Happy Compromise Farm


VIVA Global Rescue (USA)


VIVA Global Rescue is a sanctuary that is primarily devoted to rescuing horses. The sanctuary is located in Southern California and provides rehabilitation services to other animals. The sanctuaries was founded by two lesbian women - Maya and Kalli. The two also specialise in kitten rescue and offer a 24h hotline for animals in need. So far they have been able to help more than 1,000 animals in their region.


Photocredit: Facebook VIVA Global Rescue




The Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary (New Zealand)


The Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary was set up about 10 years ago by Kate, who is bisexual. Her non-binary partner Coces joined the sanctuary team 4 years ago. Today, they care for about 250 animals, mainly sheep and goats, but the sanctuary is also home to chickens, pigs, and other animals.

The sanctuary is a intersectional-feminist project, which is funded by donations and the sale of sustainable products and merchandise. At the sancutary, volunteers can reside in tiny houses.


Photocredit: Facebook The Black Sheep Sanctuary


The Old Goats Home Sanctuary (USA)


12 years ago, Rebecca Gibbons started 'Old Goats Home Sanctuary' as a place specialized on rescuing and caring for old or sickly goats, but also provides a home to turkeys, chickens and hourses. To this date, the sanctuary provides more than 300 anmals with food, play and medical care.

Photocredit: Facebook The Old Goats Home & Rescue




Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary (USA)


Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary was founded by Katie Dwight and her wife, Meghan Dibble, in 2019 to provide animals rescued from the meat, egg and dairy industries with a safe haven where they can live out their lives in peace. Located in Vacaville, California, USA, Herd & Flock is home to cows, big pigs, goats, hens, roosters, guinea fowl, cats, a chihuahua and a turtle.


In addition to our permanent residents who are ambassadors helping to raise awareness of the individual worth and dignity of all animals, Herd & Flock has a foster program where farm animals just rescued from factory farming can have a safe space to live and recover before being placed in loving forever homes. Herd & Flock aims to educate about and promote the reduction of animal products in our lives, and advocates for a plant-based diet and lifestyle.



Photocredit: Meghan Dibble / Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary



 

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