OUTnewcomers Announces Temporary Pause of Project Belonging Matters Following Safety Threats

Boston, MA — OUTnewcomers, a grassroots LGBTQ+ migrant justice organization based in Greater Boston, announces the temporary pause of its wellness initiative, Project Belonging Matters.

This decision comes after the organization and its founder, Sal Khan, received multiple death threats and threats of being reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the project’s public launch. These threats have created serious concerns for the safety and well-being of both leadership and the vulnerable community members the program serves.

Project Belonging Matters was designed to provide non-clinical wellness support to LGBTQ+ migrants in the City of Boston—individuals who are often fleeing persecution, violence, and criminalization in their countries of origin due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“While we remain deeply committed to this work, the safety of our community must come first,” said Sal Khan, Founder of OUTnewcomers. “We are taking this pause to assess risks and ensure that we can continue our mission in a way that protects those we serve.”

OUTnewcomers condemns the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-immigrant hostility that has contributed to these threats. The organization is currently reviewing security measures and exploring next steps to safely resume programming.

Updates regarding Project Belonging Matters will be shared in due course.

Media Contact:
OUTnewcomers
outnewcomers@proton.me