In 2023, we marched alongside LGBTQI asylum seekers in the Micro Rainbow community at the 51st Pride in London! We were joined by people from across the UK – many of whom live in our safe housing for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers.
This year’s campaign for Pride in London was Never March Alone. The campaign highlights the power, beauty and celebration of standing together with our trans siblings and to champion trans and non-binary allyship. Trans and non-binary people face increasing amounts of hatred in the UK and abroad. The campaign centred and celebrated trans people during Pride, highlighting their importance to the LGBTQI community. We were joined by many trans members of Micro Rainbow, who proudly marched with trans and rainbow flags on the day.
We were also proud to march alongside LGBTQI asylum seekers hailing from countries all over the world. For most in the group, it was their very first Pride march. Taking part in a Pride march would be unthinkable – and extremely dangerous – in their home countries. Being able to march proudly with other people from the LGBTQI community is meaningful, joyful and transformative. You can read some of the of the experiences from our community in the quotes further down in this piece.
Finally, we supported in the march by volunteers from Wilsons Solicitors LLP and Wesley Gryk LLP – thank you for your help on the day and for your continuing support of Micro Rainbow!
“Being a first pride march and not having had the chance to attend one last year since arriving in the UK, I was anxious to attend this event this year and Micro Rainbow came through at the right time through a friend who referred me to the link. It was a surreal moment and I will live to re-live and cherish this day everyday onwards and meeting others in the march humanised my being and my personal journeys to here. I am looking forward to another Pride March for myself and for those who can not legally march in our different countries. The people who came to support made it even more special by showing all kinds of validating and affirmative gestures all the way to end.”
