Hello, my name is Ali.

I want to share a personal story.

Recently, I faced a life-threatening situation when my father discovered my sexuality and pointed a rifle at me in a fit of rage.

My mother’s attempts to intervene were half-hearted, leaving me trapped in my own bedroom. Eventually, she called him away, giving me a chance to escape.

I left my home with nothing, relying on borrowed money from friends to secure a small rented room.

In the midst of this hardship, something incredible happened—I met Moataz. He, too, had fled from a similar situation at home in Syria, and together, we found solace in each other. We bonded over our shared experiences and a mutual love for cooking.

From this bond, an idea was born:

Lunch Box.

Lunch Box is more than just a catering business—it’s a symbol of our resilience and a step toward reclaiming our lives.

We aim to share delicious, home-cooked meals with our community, prepared in our own kitchen. Operating as an openly LGBTQ-run business in a challenging environment, we aim to stand proud and create a space where we—and others like us—can thrive.

But we can’t do this alone. We need your support to turn this dream into reality.

Your donations will help us secure a safe home, purchase the necessary kitchen equipment, and cover our living expenses as we establish Lunch Box.

By supporting us, you’re not just contributing to the start of a business—you’re helping us build a foundation for a brighter, safer future for ourselves and the LGBTQ community in a place where being ourselves is an act of courage.

Please consider donating to help us build a brighter, safer future.

Thank you for your support.