We’ve had a busy summer in 2023, filled with exciting events and activities. Read on to find out what we have been up to, and scroll down for more pictures.
Body and movement intensives
We kicked off with the Body and Movement dance programme intensive creative sessions. In these sessions, invited the Micro Rainbow community to express themselves in wildly creative ways! You can read John’s reflections after the Birmingham workshop in this piece: The journey within.
Weather the Storm activities
In early summer, we travelled to Walthamstow Wetlands to do some (rainy) birdwatching and experience the tranquillity of the London’s nature reserve. This activity was part of Weather the Storm, a regular peer support group for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. This activity invited the Micro Rainbow community to learn more about their local area, and take part in a relaxing walk while observing birds and wildlife.
In August, the Weather the Storm group got creative with Badge Cafe! We spent the afternoon cutting pictures out of magazines, glueing and collaging and creating badges together.
Sista Sista
Another social inclusion group, Sista Sista, took part in a variety of activities over the summer. In May, they took in a trip to the London Museum of Docklands. In June, many of the group got creative during the Gay Times placard making workshop – getting their placards ready for marching in Pride! In August it was a trip to the Autograph Gallery in Shoreditch, followed by a picnic in the park.
Pride month 2023
June was a blockbuster month, ending with Micro Rainbow marching in London Pride for the first time in a few years. We had a fantastic turnout, and it was a joyous and inclusive atmosphere. For many of our community it was their first time at Pride. You can see a few more pictures from the day in this piece: Micro Rainbow marches in Pride 2023.
Pride month is also a time when many organisations like to volunteer their time to support LGBTQI organisations. The amazing volunteer team at Circus Street spent a day creating art for our safe houses. These incredible canvases will go a long way towards brightening up our houses, and making the residents feel welcome. Thank you Circus Street!
In July many of our community took part in an employability workshop with TAO Hospitality. This is part of Micro Rainbow’s Moving On programme. The Moving On programme is employment-focussed and helps LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers to prepare for working and supporting themselves. This workshop helped prepare attendees for roles in the hospitality sector, while also help increase confidence and interview skills.
Trans Pride, Brighton
Micro Rainbow also attended Brighton Trans Pride for the first time! We brought along some of our community and were supported to do so by our partners at Weil Gotshal and Manges LLP.
Rounding off the summer, on September 16th Micro Rainbow was back at the Pride Run 10km! Four members of our community took part in the run, plus a team from Wesley Gryk LLP. Micro Rainbow’s team finished as the fastest corporate team in the race!
Thank you again to all our of our allies and supporters. Many of these events and activities are funded by the generous donations of our supporter. If you would like to play a part in helping Micro Rainbow support LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers, become an ally today!
Our National Director, Moud Goba, was awarded BET’s Global Good Award. In June, she travelled to Los Angeles to pick up the award!
