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.
5 October 2020
Social inclusion
Reducing the extreme isolation faced by LGBTQI people
The number of trans people who were murdered across 62 countries between 2008 and 2014 (TGEU)
Family rejection is the number one issue that LGBTQI people face (Micro Rainbow beneficiaries)
%
The percentage of pupils who are bullied for being LGBTQI in the UK (Stonewall)
Why we provide social inclusion activities
LGBTQI refugees are still rejected by their families and communities even in the UK. They become extremely isolated, without enough social safety nets and opportunities in life. They live at the margins of society, often in environments that expose them to increased abuse and violence.
About our social inclusion programme
Our social inclusion programme aims to build friendships and reduce the extreme isolation faced by LGBTQI refugees, to strengthen communities where networks are fragile.
We currently deliver social inclusion activities in London, Birmingham and Leeds.
Please note that there is often a limit on the number of people that can attend the social inclusion sessions. Please email our social inclusion team at [email protected] to sign up to the activities, for more information and to receive details of future sessions in your area.
At Micro Rainbow you can access
One-to-one support
For LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers to come along for a coffee and chat, we can make an appointment for you. This service does not give legal asylum advice but does provide emotional support while going through the asylum process.
Weather the Storm
A regular peer support group for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. The emphasis of this group is on using creative expression to overcome stigma and isolation. Activities include:
- Group outings to the theatre and local museums.
- Mindfulness workshops: experienced healthcare professionals support LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees to improve their life skills and deal with past trauma, stress and anxiety.
- Body and movement workshops: Fearghus Ó Conchúir, Takeshi Matsumoto and Stephanie Schober are internationally acclaimed choreographers and work together to deliver dance workshops for us once a month. A stress buster and working with music and the body to create a feel-good factor. Get a taste of the body and movement workshops in the video below:
A monthly peer support group for LBTQI women including those who have suffered gender-based violence with the goal of reclaiming the mind and body.
Stay informed
Please email [email protected] to be informed of these opportunities and more.
Other services for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees
Success stories
Savanna’s story
This is Savanna’s story, a Micro Rainbow beneficiary and trans woman from Trinidad and Tobago seeking asylum in the UK.
30 August 2020
Jon and Marbilla’s story
The story of Jon and Marbilla’s journey to a Micro Rainbow safe house as Saudi LGBTQI asylum seekers.
29 August 2020
What you can do to help
Latest updates
Summer round up
Summer round of some the many activities that Micro Rainbow’s community has participated in over the last few months.
6 days ago
Micro Rainbow marches at Pride in London!
Micro Rainbow returned to Pride in 2023! We were joined by residents from our safe houses all over the country.
3 months ago
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.
26 June 2023
The journey within – John’s story
Read John’s story about joining the Micro Rainbow team for the Creative Dance, Costume and Film project.
10 May 2023
Women’s History Month
This Women’s History Month, Micro Rainbow’s LBTQI Women’s Outreach Officer talks about her role supporting LBTQI women.
30 March 2023
IWD2023: #EmbraceEquity in services for LBTQI refugees and asylum seekers
For IWD2023 we are talking about Embracing Equity in our work with LBTQI asylum seeking and refugee women.
8 March 2023
Micro Rainbow 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
17 February 2023
Sista Sista and LGBT+ History Month
January’s Sista Sista social inclusion support session was shaped around February’s LGBT+ History Month.
1 February 2023
Makeovers with MAC’s VIVA GLAM
As part of VIVA GLAM, in September our beneficiaries experienced makeovers from MAC’s Credo Team of artists.
8 November 2022
I found a family
A moving account of the power of our social inclusion programme creating connections, safety nets & friends for life, like family.
21 June 2022
Connecting with art in London
Our Social Inclusion programme has been exploring the breadth of the London arts scene.
21 October 2021
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.
5 October 2020
Savanna’s story
This is Savanna’s story, a Micro Rainbow beneficiary and trans woman from Trinidad and Tobago seeking asylum in the UK.
30 August 2020
Jon and Marbilla’s story
The story of Jon and Marbilla’s journey to a Micro Rainbow safe house as Saudi LGBTQI asylum seekers.
29 August 2020
Digital poverty and increased isolation of LGBTQI migrants during COVID-19
This case study highlights the discrepancy in digital access LGBTQI migrants face, made more difficult by COVID-19.
7 August 2020
Immersed in movement and art at the Tate Exchange
The Tate Exchange was host to Micro Rainbow’s social inclusion programme in Spring 2019 giving LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees the chance to create dance inspired by the world-famous artwork all around them.
5 August 2019
Muhammad’s story
Muhammad’s inspiring story follows his journey from Pakistan to the UK, the hurdles he has faced along the way, and the comfort he has found in Micro Rainbow’s social inclusion programme.
15 April 2019
Angela’s story
Angela’s story highlights the need for social inclusion and empowerment of LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees
14 September 2018
How Sista Sista tackles poverty of LBT women
Sara is a lesbian refugee from Uganda. When she was outed as lesbian, she was removed from education, beaten, humiliated and ultimately forced into a marriage with an older man.
15 February 2017
Jill Power is chosen as one of the Southbank Centre “Change Makers”
Southbank Centre have chosen Micro Rainbow Director of Social and Economic Inclusion as one of their Change Makers.
27 July 2016
Poverty, sexual orientation and refugees in the UK
This report shows that lesbian and gay refugees in the UK live below the poverty line, are isolated and discriminated against.
16 October 2013
