As part of Micro Rainbow’s Social Inclusion programme, Sista Sista runs as a regular peer support group for LBTQI refugee and asylum-seeking women. Many of the Micro Rainbow community members have been victims of gender-based violence and homophobic abuse, and Sista Sista acts as a rarely found safe space for them to come together in solidarity. Sista Sista gives beneficiaries the opportunity to share their stories, compassionately listen and make meaningful community connections. Once a month, the Sista Sista group meets to participate in arts or wellbeing activities. These sessions range from workshops, theatre trips, gallery and museum visits, and guided meditations. To kick off 2025, we were thrilled to take part in the UK Women’s March, which took place on January 18, in solidarity with marches happening across the UK and in America.
Fuelling the march
To start off the day, we met at the wonderful Tate Modern gallery, where our group signed in, shared snacks, met their friends and greeted new joiners, ready for a day of marching across London! Everyone loved the opportunity to meet other members of the community before heading back out into the cold. Many shared that this would be their first time ever participating in a march, and the atmosphere was full of excitement and enthusiasm.
Setting off
When we arrived at the designated meeting place, our group were blown away by the numbers already gathered there. Every type of woman (and their allies) could be seen in the crowd, holding signs, warming their hands around hot drinks and starting chants. We positioned ourselves by the amazing Samba Sisters group, and watched them tune their drums, share hugs and gather in a flurry of purple and silver outfits.
“Together for women’s rights and LGBT causes”
The march – organised by UK Women’s March – was a powerful display of the diversity of women’s rights causes and the unity between everyone taking part. Progress flags, trans flags and rainbows were waved side by side with placards that discussed abortion rights, sexual violence and gendered microaggressions. Despite the seriousness of the topics surfaced on this day, the atmosphere was one of joy and celebration. After the march ended, the Sista Sista group felt empowered and inspired, with many eager to take part in future marches.
Feedback from the women who attended:
Here is what one of our beneficiaries, Faizah, a lesbian from Malaysia, said about her experience on the day:
For a lesbian couple new to Micro Rainbow’s social inclusion events, the experience at this Sista Sista session was a testament to the power of community through hard times:
Taking part in this march with the Sista Sista group made the experience even more special for some attendees:
How you can support LGBTQI people fleeing persecution
Learn more about how Micro Rainbow supports LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers by visiting the Social Inclusion programme page. If you would like to play a key role in helping LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees attend events like these – become an ally!
