Held back: launch of timely research into poverty of LGBTQI refugees

The new report

Held Back draws from a sample of 98 LGBTQI refugees, some of whom have been in the UK for more than 20 years, and some who have been in the UK less than a year. In-depth interviews with 10 LGBTQI refugees were also conducted to explore their experiences in more detail. The report delves into work and employment in detail, with one of the key findings of the report being that the majority of LGBTQI refugees in the UK struggle to access dignified and appropriate work once they receive their refugee status.

The report found that 91% of the LGBTQI refugees who contributed felt safer in the UK than they did in their home countries, enjoying many of the fundamental freedoms offered by the UK. However, austerity measures, the ‘hostile environment’ policy, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis were found to have exerted considerable impact on the lives of LGBTQI refugees in the UK. Poverty and access to housing, education and employment are all key inhibitors. Meanwhile, discrimination remains a significant concern, as is the poor mental health of LGBTQI refugees. In the 2024 report 53% of respondents indicated mental health needs, compared to a much lower 28% of respondents in 2013. These factors have limited the ability of refugees to flourish, and their LGBTQI identity introduces an additional layer of complexity.

Held back from access to employment

The percentage of respondents in employment has not improved since 2013.  At the time of the first report, only 38% of respondents were working, primarily employed in security, care, cleaning/housekeeping and administrative roles. In the updated report, 36% of respondents were currently employed. However, 26% reported having a job in their area of expertise or field of study, which represents a positive 16% increase compared to 2013.

Micro Rainbow’s patron, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah said:

“10 years on from the first report, and the situation for LGBTQI refugees in the UK is largely unchanged. They still face widespread exclusion and discrimination, and struggle to gain access to jobs. They are often forced to remain at the margins of society, unable to fully participate in a society that excludes them for being refugees, and for being LGBTQI.”

“This report underscores the urgent need for targeted support for LGBTQI refugees. We can no longer ignore the intersectional challenges they face—poverty, discrimination, and isolation. It’s time for action.”

Sebastian Rocca, Micro Rainbow founder and CEO said:

“When we published the first report in 2013, we hoped that while the situation for gay and lesbian refugees in the UK was poor, in the future we would see marked improvements in terms of inclusion and acceptance. However, we can see that 10 years of hostility and government vilification of refugees has resulted in the environment remaining much the same. Sadly, many of the recommendations from 2013 remain valid.

“One change is the government. For the first time in more than ten years, the UK has a Labour government. Our hope is that the new leadership will spearhead the creation of kinder, and more dignified immigration policies, and push for societal attitudes to refugees to change”

Next steps

The new report outlines clear recommendations – many similar to those put forward in 2013 – that will help to support LGBTQI refugees to integrate and move on with their lives in the UK.

Read the report and the recommendations, and share with your networks.

You can support Micro Rainbow’s work by becoming an ally today.