Support for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK
Support and resources from Micro Rainbow and other trusted organisations.
Micro Rainbow is the leading UK organisation providing safe housing, employability support, social inclusion, and advocacy for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum.
If you are LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) and seeking asylum or have refugee status in the UK, you are not alone. This page brings together support from Micro Rainbow and other trusted organisations to help you find the right help quickly.
Safe housing for LGBTQI people seeking asylum
If you are seeking asylum in the UK, you may be given accommodation by the Home Office after you submit your claim. This is often shared housing, where you may not be able to choose who you live with.
For LGBTQI people, this can be unsafe or isolating, especially if you are placed with people who do not accept your identity.
Micro Rainbow is the only organisation in the UK providing safe, temporary accommodation specifically for LGBTQI people seeking asylum.
Who is our housing for?
Our housing is only for LGBTQI people seeking asylum. To be added to our housing waiting list, you must:
- Be in the UK
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be an asylum seeker receiving Section 95 or Section 4 support
- Be able to live independently and share a home with others
- Successfully complete a housing risk assessment with one of our Outreach Officers
Our safe houses are shared homes with other LGBTQI people seeking asylum. In most cases, you will have your own room and live in a supportive, welcoming environment (not a hotel). In some cases, you may be required to share a room with another Micro Rainbow beneficiary.
Contact our housing team by emailing housing@microrainbow.org.
Social events for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum
We know that being an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee can feel extremely isolating.
That’s why we host regular events, including peer support groups, mindfulness workshops, arts projects, and social gatherings, where you can meet others and build your community in the UK.
We host events in London, the West Midlands, and online.
To attend, you first need to join an online induction. Email social@microrainbow.org to register your place for the next induction.
Integration and employability support for LGBTQI refugees
The transition from asylum seeker to refugee can be challenging. You may need support finding work, training, or housing.
Our Moving On team offers tailored support, including:
- One-to-one support to find housing, open bank accounts and register for Universal Credit
- Employability workshops with private partners around CV writing, interviewing and job applications
- CV writing and job applications
- Advice on finding work and study opportunities
To access our support, get in touch with our team by emailing movingon@microrainbow.org.
Legal support for LGBTQI people seeking asylum
The asylum process can be complex and stressful. We run monthly asylum support workshops to help you:
- Understand the asylum process (both initial claims and appeals)
- Prepare for your substantive interview
- Write your personal statement
These sessions are delivered with volunteer lawyers from specialist law firms and include opportunities to ask questions and receive one-off legal guidance.
Please note: We do not provide one-to-one legal support and cannot legally represent you.
We also run personal witness statement sessions where you can get practical guidance in a safe environment.
To attend our legal support workshops, get in touch with our team by emailing social@microrainbow.org.
Advocacy support for LGBTQI people seeking asylum
Our Outreach Officers provide practical and emotional support. If you access our services, you may be assigned an Outreach Officer who will:
- Create a personalised support plan
- Check in with you regularly
- Help you access healthcare, housing, and legal aid
- Refer you to services from other organisations
- Support you in times of crisis
Get in touch with our outreach team by emailing housing@microrainbow.org. For urgent matters, we also run a support line 0800 3585851 (Mon–Fri, 2pm–5pm, first-time callers). The number is free to call.
Need a translator?
If you do not speak English, we can arrange a translator for you.
Please let us know in advance when you contact us so we can support you properly by emailing social@microrainbow.org.
Other organisations
You may find it helpful to contact other organisations for additional support.
Mental health and wellbeing
Support for survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence
Social support and community
Faith and culturally-specific support
Sexual health
Clothing and practical support
Immigration and asylum advice
Housing
If you are outside of the UK
You can only access our services if you are already in the UK.
If you are outside the UK, you can contact Rainbow Railroad, an organisation that provides emergency support for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We cannot assign you a solicitor, but we can direct you to trusted organisations and provide access to workshops and, in some cases, pro bono legal support
Micro Rainbow does not provide emergency accommodation.
If you are homeless and seeking asylum, contact Migrant Help, who can arrange emergency accommodation (interpreters available):
0808 8010 503 (24/7).
We can only provide a support letter if you have actively engaged with our services for at least six months.
We cannot help you submit an asylum claim.
For guidance, visit:
We cannot provide legal advice or help you submit an appeal. You can follow this step-by-step guide by Right to Remain.
We do not provide professional counselling, but we can signpost you to trusted organisations. You can also attend wellbeing sessions through our Social Inclusion programme.
Yes. All Micro Rainbow services are free for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.