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.
2 months ago
Social inclusion
Reducing the extreme isolation faced by LGBTI 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 LGBTI people face (Micro Rainbow beneficiaries)
%
The percentage of pupils who are bullied for being LGBT in the UK (Stonewall)
Why we provide social inclusion activities
LGBTI 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 LGBTI refugees, to strengthen communities where networks are fragile.
At Micro Rainbow you can access:
One-to-one support
For LGBTI 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 weekly peer support group for LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees. The emphasis of this group is on using creative expression to overcome stigma and isolation. Activities include:
- Dancing workshops: Fearghus Ó Conchúir, Jamie Dryburgh 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.
- LGBTI refugee choir: the choir meets once a month to reduce isolation, make new friends and make connections with other groups in the community.
- Mindfulness workshops: experienced healthcare professionals support LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees to improve their life skills and deal with past trauma, stress and anxiety.
A monthly peer support group for LBTI women including those who have suffered gender-based violence with the goal of reclaiming the mind and body.
Stay informed
Please join Micro Rainbow’s beneficiary mailing list to be informed of these opportunities and more.
Other services for LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees
Success stories
Angela’s story
Angela’s story highlights the need for social inclusion and empowerment of LGBTI 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
What you can do to help
Latest updates
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.
2 months ago
Angela’s story
Angela’s story highlights the need for social inclusion and empowerment of LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees
14 September 2018
Sharing our work at Allen & Overy
On 22 May 2107, Micro Rainbow with the LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees choir joined the Allen & Overy LGBT Network “A&Out”.
19 July 2017
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
Using creativity to heal the mind, body and heart
Now We Are Here began as a series of Young Vic Taking Part workshops which took place over eight months. Led by director Ian Rickson the workshops were run in partnership with Micro Rainbow.
24 July 2016
Community outreach, community healing
Find out about our peer support program called Weather the Storm and other social inclusion activities for LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom.
2 October 2015
Jill Power
Interview with Jill Power, Director of Social and Economic Inclusion at Micro Rainbow focusing on some of the challenges facing LGBTI youth living in poverty around the world.
19 May 2015
Episodes of discrimination and persecution of lesbian and gay people around the world – Part 2
Part two of our research to examine the relationships between being a refugee in the UK, poverty and sexual orientation. We spoke to 50 lesbian and gay refugees from 13 different countries who shared some of the experiences of persecution and discrimination which they had faced.
20 May 2014
Episodes of discrimination and persecution of lesbian and gay people around the world – Part 1
In October 2013 we launched research to examine the relationships between being a refugee in the UK, poverty and sexual orientation. We spoke with 50 lesbian and gay refugees from 13 different countries who shared some of the experiences of persecution and discrimination which they had faced.
28 April 2014
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
Thoughts of a Jamaican, a lesbian, and a refugee in the UK
Give a voice to some of the thoughts that LGBTI refugees often have but do not always have the courage to express for fear of being seen as ungrateful towards the country that gave them safety or of being judged.
21 June 2013