In August 2025, as far‑right activity and anti-immigration protests increased across the UK, many LGBTQI people seeking asylum in our community told us they were feeling increasingly unsafe. Several people reported protesters approaching their accommodation, attempting to film residents, or creating a hostile environment. Others described avoiding going outside due to harassment.
To provide immediate, consistent support, our social inclusion team launched weekly online community check-ins for our Micro Rainbow community. The first session took place on 12 August 2025, with 30 participants joining from across the UK.
Why the community check-ins were needed
During the first online community check-in, LGBTQI asylum seekers in the Micro Rainbow community shared openly about the pressure they were under:
“It’s scary because we don’t know what will happen.”
“The protesters come to the hotel and try to record video without our permission.”
“I haven't left the hotel for a long time because I get insulted here.”
“Everywhere you go as a Black person, you have to look around you.”
Participants also spoke about ongoing asylum delays and their emotional toll:
“The asylum process is long and difficult.”
“Right now is a very hard time for me.”
These community check-in sessions quickly became a reliable place for people to speak openly about safety concerns, discrimination and the daily realities of living in asylum accommodation.
How the community check-ins work
The format has evolved into a flexible structure that responds to what the group needs each week.
- A check-in question
Participants reflect on how they’re feeling through a simple creative prompt. - Open conversation
People share updates, challenges and experiences from the week. - A wellbeing activity
Depending on the energy in the room, we might practise grounding exercises, stretch together, play a game, learn phrases in different languages or discuss cultural events.
Participants regularly share their own self-care strategies too:
“I listen to inspirational content on YouTube to calm myself.”
“Roaming around in nature”
“My self-care includes cooking, reading, walking and sharing.”
What participants told us
Feedback collected at the end of 2025 shows the impact these online community check-ins had across our community.
A welcoming and safe space
A gay man from Pakistan described the meetings as:
“welcoming, supportive and respectful… a safe space to share my thoughts without judgment.”
A bisexual man from Libya said the sessions offered:
“the psychological support I always feel I need.”
A gay man from Syria shared:
“The meetings are inclusive and encouraging. They make me feel supported while building a new life here.”
A sense of belonging
“These events are special… I feel connected with the community and with everyone who attends.”
“The feeling of being together and having people to talk to is amazing.”
“It makes me feel I belong and makes me proud of my sexuality.”
Engagement and reach
Between August and December 2025:
- 22 sessions delivered
- 124 unique participants
- 74 attended more than twice
- 30 attended more than five times
- 7 attended more than ten sessions
This consistency showed us that the sessions meet a sustained need for connection, especially for those living in accommodation with little access to LGBTQI‑inclusive community spaces.
Looking ahead
These online community check-ins are now a core part of Micro Rainbow’s social inclusion work. They connect people across the UK, including those who may have no local LGBTQI services or safe in-person spaces.
We will continue offering these sessions for as long as there is demand, making sure LGBTQI people seeking asylum have a regular, accessible environment to speak openly, receive support, and maintain social connections during periods of uncertainty.
Are you an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee looking for a welcoming community?
Email social@microrainbow.org to join our social inclusion programme.
