Rainbow Cards Project
1085. El Roberts-Wright
El Roberts-Wright, aged 20 from Devon, is the founder of ‘The Rainbow Cards Project’, which has sent over 4,300 greetings cards to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary people in 34 countries this Christmas to combat the social isolation and prejudice that many in the LGBT community face.
After sharing on social media in 2016 that she would write and send Christmas cards to anyone who would not be receiving them from their families after coming out, El was inundated with messages and decided to scale up the project. El was inspired to start the project after realising the support she received from her parents when coming out was not the same for many other people who are LGBT, who can often be ostracised by their families and feel isolated, particularly at Christmas. El has now developed a website that people can sign up to for sending and receiving cards for birthdays and other holidays as well as at Christmas.
In a personal letter to El, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“At this time of the year, ‘The Rainbow Cards Project’ is sending a remarkable message of positivity to thousands of LGBT people worldwide who are feeling isolated. You have developed a creative and innovative way of helping those who continue to face stigma and discrimination and you should feel very proud of the difference your cards make.”
El said:
“I am incredibly proud to provide a service to the community that has supported me through my own self-discoveries and coming outs, and to offer support to those who have not received the positive response that they deserve. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has helped keep this project running from day one with their support, be it by donating, sending cards or just telling their friends. This is a true community effort, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of such a giving community. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”