This month we are so excited to share our new film: Who’s there?
Who’s there? explores the impact moving into a Micro Rainbow safe house can have on LGBTQI people seeking asylum.
Over 2000 people claim asylum in the UK every year based on their sexuality or gender identity. But all too frequently, they are not safe in their accommodation. They’ve hidden who they are all their life, and now, in a country where they are supposed to be safe, unsafe accommodation means that they must hide again. But in Micro Rainbow housing, they don’t. They are safe, living with other LGBTQI people who are fleeing persecution. Finally, they can begin living openly and truthfully.
In this short film we meet Alex, a gay man from Malawi who fled his country to try and find safety in the UK. It is illegal to be LGBTQI in Malawi. Alex had spent his whole life hiding himself. He reached the UK and claimed asylum on the basis of his sexuality. But he was still not safe to be open about his sexuality in his initial accommodation. Eventually, he was able to move into a Micro Rainbow safe house.
He has been so used to hiding himself, living on the margins, that he is overwhelmed when he meets Gabe. Gabe has been living in Micro Rainbow safe housing for several months. He is confident, knows who he is, and is proud to be openly LGBTQI. The gentle and inclusive welcome he gives Alex helps him to start feeling whole.
Watch the film to see the impact that living in welcoming, inclusive housing can have on LGBTQI people like Alex who are fleeing persecution.
Watch: Who's there?
30th safe house for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution
The launch of “Who’s There?” coincides with another major milestone in Micro Rainbow’s history – the launch of the 30th safe house. This expansion brings Micro Rainbow’s housing capacity to more than 40,000 bed-nights each year, offering safety, dignity, and hope to some of the most marginalised individuals in the asylum system. Read the press release for more information.
“Alex’s story is one of courage, hope, and self-discovery. In “Who’s there?”, we see just how vital safe spaces are for LGBTQI asylum seekers. A place to sleep is important, but what we offer is more than a bed – it’s the chance to be yourself without fear. "Opening the 30th safe house marks an incredible milestone: Micro Rainbow is now halfway to achieving the goal of eradicating homelessness among LGBTQI asylum seekers in the UK. Our dream is that every LGBTQI person fleeing persecution can have that chance.”
Credits
Crew
Director/Producer: Tom Paul Martin
DOP: Natalja Safronova
Gaffer: Michal Kedracki
Make-Up Artist: Hanni Wellian
Cast
Gabe: Olly Roy
Ghost/Alex: Melvin St James
Thanks
The film was made with the generous support, guidance and expertise of The Media Trust and funding from the Santander Foundation.
