Social Inclusion

Reducing the extreme isolation faced by LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum.

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)

Home > Social Inclusion

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 and Birmingham.

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 social@microrainbow.org to organise an induction session to allow you 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 every month, in Birmingham, London and Cardiff. 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 and on this page.

Sista Sista

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.

Trans+ group

A regular peer support group for anyone who identifies as trans, non binary, gender fluid, agender, or anything else under the trans+ umbrella. Come along, meet other people in the Micro Rainbow community and chat about your experiences. This group is currently working on the Trans Zine of Knowledge project.

Stay informed

Please email social@microrainbow.org to be informed of these opportunities and more.

Social inclusion events

Browse our upcoming events for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum.

Find events

Other services for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees

Help us create a world where no LGBTQI person seeking safety is left behind

Our work is only possible because of people like you. Your support helps us provide housing, community, and opportunities to those rebuilding their lives after fleeing persecution.

There are many ways to take action. You can donate or become an ally to help sustain our services, contact us if you’d like to collaborate or learn more, or give through our Amazon wishlist to provide essential items for our safe houses.

Become an ally

Show your support for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers by becoming a Micro Rainbow ally.

Donation plans

Donate items for our safehouses

Give practical help by purchasing essential items for our safehouses.

Our Amazon wishlist

Get in touch

Get in touch to collaborate, ask questions, or make a referral for an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee,

Let's stay in touch

Get updates on our work, campaigns, and opportunities to stand with LGBTQI people seeking safety.

Micro Rainbow will use the information you provide on this form to email you our quarterly newsletter with the latest updates and news from us. We may occasionally email you with information about events and fundraisers.