As many of you may know that in times of crisis, LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly disadvantaged and often face persecution when trying to flee to safety. In over 70 jurisdictions, homo-transsexuality is illegal. People face imprisonment, torture and even the death penalty. 1,500 LGBTQI refugees from those countries come to the UK every year.

When they come to the UK, they are still not safe. Because of their sexuality, gender identity, gender expression or intersex status they often: are abused in refugee accommodation by other refugees who often come from the same countries they are escaping from become homeless and depressed are rejected by their ethnic community and live in poverty.

Founded in 2012, Micro Rainbow is the leading non-profits organisation in the UK supporting the integration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people who flee persecution and reach the UK in search of safety. Micro Rainbow’s holistic approach to integration is based on three pillars: safe housing, social inclusion and employability support. These programmes ensure that LGBTQI refugees are not only safe but also able to live fulfilling independent lives. Micro Rainbow has won a number of awards for innovation and as a top social enterprise and is recognised for creating the first ever national safe housing scheme for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution, with a current capacity of over 22,000 bed-nights a year.

Micro Rainbow are working closely with regional partners to ensure LGBTQ+ people fleeing the war in Ukraine can find safe accommodation and support. Once they arrive in the UK, Micro Rainbow provide holistic services, including "life in the UK" workshops, opportunities to meet other LGBTQ+ migrants, employability workshops and support around sexual health.

Micro Rainbow have also been providing emotional and practical support to Afghan refugees, following the Taliban regaining control of Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, LGBTQ+ individuals fear persecution and violence. Earlier this year Micro Rainbow launched a helpline for LGBTQ+ Afghan refugees to help them access support.

Your support and donation can make a real impact to those in increasingly difficult situations and any donations big or small make a huge difference.

❤️£10 could fund the transport costs for a refugee to attend an employment skills workshop or job interview.

❤️£20 could pay the gas and electricity bills for one refugee for one month.

❤️£35 could fund a night in emergency accommodation for a LGBTQ+ refugee who has been made homeless.

Check out the amazing work Micro Rainbow do https://microrainbow.org

Thank you for any donation you are able to make.