The catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath is unfolding in ways that seem more grim day by day and, depite the enormous resources of the USA, international assistance is needed and will be appreciated. Most of the conservative 'bible-belt' states devastated by Hurricane Katrina, or those nearby receiving refugees, refuse to recognise same-sex spousal rights for disaster relief and welfare. This will add immeasurably to the suffering of glbt refugees. Almost as bad, many charitable aid organisations backing up the US federal, state and local authorities' efforts are church-based and as homophobic as hell. For instance, the Salvation Army in New Zealand voted against decriminalising homosexuality here; and in the USA they were refused New York City financial support because of their anti-gay policies which ran counter to that city's policies on minorities. Following that refusal the Salvation Army accused New York of endangering the lives and welfare of its people in need! GayNZ.com can recommend two organisations which have proven records of glbt-friendliness. The Red Cross and Lambda Legal. The Red Cross - already at the forefront of Katrina relief - is reknowned for its refusal to discriminate on any basis, including sexuality. Lambda Legal provides legal support for glbt people and its resources are likely to soon be stretched to the limit advocating for fair treatment of glbt Katrina refugees. Ensure your donation will not be handed out by a hypocritical and pious hand that has taken a temporary break from slapping your sexuality in the face. GayNZ.com - 2nd September 2005