News

Read all of the latest news and updates from Micro Rainbow

Impact web image copy
Announcements

Our impact for 2023

2023 was a huge year for Micro Rainbow. Read our impact report to learn about the difference we made.

Leaving Kyiv
Moving on

From Kyiv to the UK

Learn how Micro Rainbow helped a gay doctor from Kyiv escape persecution and find safety in the UK. Read Bohdan’s inspiring story of resilience and hope.

Transgender Day of Remembrance
Announcements

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Join us in remembering our trans siblings on Transgender Day of Remembrance while celebrating those in our community.

Transgender Awareness Week
Announcements

Transgender Awareness Week 2023

This Transgender Awareness Week we spoke to Hannah, a trans woman from Sri Lanka, about her experiences.

Intersex Awareness Day
Announcements

Intersex Awareness Day

26 October is Intersex Awareness Day, a day for spreading awareness of people forced to seek safety due to their intersex identity.

National Coming Out Day 2023
Housing

National Coming Out Day 2023

This National Coming Out Day, we explore the harsh reality of ‘coming out’ or ‘being outed’ for our community.

Runners from Wesley Gryk and Micro Rainbow at the Pride Run
Social inclusion

Summer round up

Summer round of some the many activities that Micro Rainbow’s community has participated in over the last few months.

Maria's story. Two sets of hands clasped together.
Moving on

Maria’s story

Maria is a trans woman from El Salvador, she recently received the right to work and is working in a cancer ward support role.

SE 2023
Announcements

Top 100 Social Enterprises for 3rd year running!

Micro Rainbow has been named one of the top 100 social enterprises for the third year running. Learn how we are working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse society. Take action today!

Micro Rainbow banner - Safe housing for LGBTQI refugees
Social inclusion

We marched at Pride in London!

Micro Rainbow returned to Pride in 2023! We were joined by residents from our safe houses all over the country.

Trans rainbow (1)
Social inclusion

Pride: The right to be safe and to be yourself

For Pride month, we have come together with Rainbow Migration and Refugee Action to highlight the voices of LGBTQI people who have refugee status or are seeking protection in the UK.

Lesbian Visibility Week 2023
Housing

Lesbian Visibility Week

For Lesbian Visibility Week 2023 we spoke to Grace, a lesbian from Cameroon living in a Micro Rainbow safe house.

Cy Twombly, Untitled (Bacchus), taken on a Sista Sista trip to the Tate
Social inclusion

Women’s History Month

This Women’s History Month, Micro Rainbow’s LBTQI Women’s Outreach Officer talks about her role supporting LBTQI women.

Royal Court theatre with Sound of the Underground in lights
Social inclusion

Trip to Sound of the Underground

In February we were invited to attend a showing of Travis Alabanza’s Sound of the Underground at the Royal Court theatre

Help us keep the lights on for the LGBTQI refugees living in our housing this winter: become a Micro Rainbow ally!
Housing

Cost of living campaign

Become an ally today to help Micro Rainbow support LGBTQI refugees through the cost of living crisis.

Black woman with braids, having her make up done by a man with short blond hair.
Social inclusion

Makeovers with MAC’s VIVA GLAM

As part of VIVA GLAM, in September our beneficiaries experienced makeovers from MAC’s Credo Team of artists.

SE100 TOP100 2022
Announcements

We did it again!

For the 2nd running, we are one of the top 100 social enterprises in the UK! This recognition comes at a time when we face multiple challenges including the return to power of the Taliban and the war in Ukraine.

People playing guitar at sunset
Social inclusion

I found a family

A moving account of the power of our social inclusion programme creating connections, safety nets & friends for life, like family.

Democratic Republic of the Congo street
Housing

Eric’s Story

Eric knew that if he stayed in the DRC, he would either kill himself or be killed. So, he made the heart-breaking decision to leave behind everything he knew – his loved ones, his career and his identity – to begin a new life in the UK.

Afghanistan refugee protesters
Moving on

Queer Afghanistan, what can we do?

Many people are asking us how they can support LGBTQI people fleeing persecution from Afghanistan. You can help us run a helpline in Pashto/Dari, buy winter clothes, volunteer as a counsellor and much more. Thank you for your support!

Heart sun
Moving on

Join our register of counsellors!

Are you a counsellor? Join our register of volunteer counsellors. You could play a vital role in helping LGBTQI refugees to live fulfilling lives in the UK.

Estelle
Moving on

Estelle’s Story

Refugee Action spoke to Estelle, a volunteer Asylum Guide, who trained as part of their Navigating Asylum Partnerships project, funded by Comic Relief. This is Estelle’s story.

Ericky
Moving on

Ericky’s Story

Refugee Action spoke to Ericky, a volunteer Asylum Guide, who trained as part of their Navigating Asylum Partnerships project, funded by Comic Relief. This is Ericky’s story.

Trans Flag
Housing

Celebrating Trans Day of Remembrance

To celebrate Trans Day of Remembrance 2020, Micro Rainbow board member Alana Eissa has highlighted the specific challenges trans asylum seekers and refugees must face in the UK.

Table Mountain
Social inclusion

Pearlgin’s Story

Pearlgin, a non-binary South African Zulu lesbian, has had a convoluted and traumatic journey to the UK, but has still managed to grow into self-respect and pride.

Savannas story
Social inclusion

Savanna’s story

This is Savanna’s story, a Micro Rainbow beneficiary and trans woman from Trinidad and Tobago seeking asylum in the UK.

Backs of two people
Social inclusion

Jon and Marbilla’s story

The story of Jon and Marbilla’s journey to a Micro Rainbow safe house as Saudi LGBTQI asylum seekers.