iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 5h

🎉We have fantastic news for #InternationalLesbianDay - a lesbian woman from Kenya who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #LGBT

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

📢 Read our full statement now: buff.ly/DanGaiQ

Photo of two people wearing a pride flag and trans pride flag with their arms around each other shoulders. Text overlaid reads "Our response to today’s government enforcement action: Claiming asylum as an LGBTQI+ person is one of the hardest things you can do"

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

What are the LGBTQI-phobic scars of colonialism? Read more: buff.ly/7QWs6OA

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

In this article, published for Black History Month, we are centring the voices of Black trans women in particular. 🌟Read it at: buff.ly/NaSQrgs #BlackHistoryMonth

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy Black History Month! [Photo from our support group banner making workshop for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum]

Handdrawn paper banner held by a Black woman that says in colourful bubble writing: we're here and we're queer...

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

What happens when a country is labelled “safe”, but being openly queer there can mean criminalisation, violence, or worse? In this article for PinkNews, Daniel Anthony writes about the UK asylum system and violence against queer people in Nigeria: buff.ly/g8ix5CQ

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Read the story of a gay man from Colombia who has been granted asylum in the UK. He shared with us his experiences growing up, leaving home, and applying for asylum in the UK: buff.ly/7DAv5gm

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a trans woman from Turkey who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍⚧️ 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

For Bisexual Visibility Day 2026 we want to share these words by a bisexual woman and mother from Pakistan about her experiences claiming asylum in the UK and exploring her sexuality. 💙 💜 ❤️

Back of woman's head looking out at a blue sky. Text reads: “I learned the word ‘bisexual’, and more importantly, I finally accepted myself.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

⚠️Immigration detention is not safe for anyone, but #LGBTQI+ people are at even higher risk of harm from LGBTQI-phobic abuse and bullying. 📢Join us in calling on this government to end LGBTQI+ detention today: buff.ly/TxgALru

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a LGBTQI+ person from Bangladesh who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! These are her words upon hearing the good news🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

A photo of a pride flag with the shadow of the person holding it behind. Text reads: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I will always remember the kindness and dedication you all showed me.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Are you a photographer? Get in touch! 🌟 We have a paid photoshoot opportunity - send us a DM with some examples of your work if you're interested.🏳️‍🌈

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🏳️‍⚧️We have spaces available in our Trans & Non-Binary Support Group. If you are seeking asylum in the UK, speak English, and live within travelling distance of central London - then please fill in our contact form and the support group organiser will be in touch: buff.ly/qYvmfWC

A smiling butch person is in the foreground, with a femme Black person blurred in the background

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Suicide prevention = a more humane asylum system‼️ As Marina, a lesbian from Cameroon, said: “I’ve never been so stressed and worried and depressed as in those two years in my whole life”. #worldsuicidepreventionday

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

More people than ever before are coming to us for advice and support. Become a monthly donor to support people seeking asylum in the UK and campaign for a kinder asylum system. 🏳️‍🌈 Set up a donation today and you'll get a FREE Bird & Blend tea bundle as a thank you: buff.ly/2smHKiD

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Trans people, people seeking asylum, migrants and refugees continue to be disproportionately targeted by harmful rhetoric and scapegoating. Read more in our new Substack: buff.ly/wH1MdPh

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Sharing stories of 3 LGBTQI+ people from Malaysia - inspired by the theme of this year's East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month - “Evolving Threads”.

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

As we head into the autumn, MPs are returning to Parliament with a new Prime Minister in place. What are the 4 key issues we’ll be keeping a close eye on? Read more here: buff.ly/nvm2GBP

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Our legal advice service will be paused from 31 August and will resume on 21 September. During this period, we can only respond to urgent cases. If you have an upcoming substantive asylum interview, appeal deadline, are detained or have received a removal notice, please contact us: buff.ly/798Coxm

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a trans woman from Iran who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍⚧️ 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Misha shared their experience of seeking safety as an LGBTQI+ person with us. 🏳️‍🌈 Read more of his words on our website where we have a whole section of stories from LGBTQI+ people: buff.ly/mvUdDEU

A photo of Misha - a queer person of Korean descent sat on a wall next to the river Thames. The Houses of Parliament are in the background.
Text reads: Misha, granted refugee status in 2025: “This journey is by no means easy—it can easily make one jaded and disillusioned with structures of support that in reality turn out to be quite the opposite”

“[The substantive interview] is dehumanising, and you are treated like a cog in the machine.”
“...what I’m proud of is having maintained a sense of humanity throughout this incredibly dehumanising process, and the ability to see things clearly.”

“What I found especially moving—and what propelled me forward—was meeting queer refugees or immigrants who cannot return to their lands because of war (Ukraine and the Republic of Artsakh), or who are effectively stateless (East Turkestan and Palestine).
Now that I am a refugee in the UK, surrounded by people of all imaginable ethnicities and genders, and can finally live openly as a queer person of colour, I have neither the desire nor the need to return to russia. Instead, what I find incredibly important is contributing to the visibility of these people’s causes... and through the belief that they might one day return home.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

If you become our supporter on easyfundraising, you'll raise free funds for Rainbow Migration simply by shopping online. And if 10 new supporters join by Sunday 6th September, Rainbow Migration will unlock a bonus £10 donation! It only takes a moment and it's completely free: buff.ly/QhoOnwo

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Please note that Rainbow Migration does not offer legal representation – we can only provide legal advice and support on LGBTQI+ people’s asylum cases. But we understand that the whole process of finding a lawyer can seem overwhelming and challenging. More guidance on our website: buff.ly/tzdnyPJ

A person with dyed red curly hair wearing a headscarf and smiling into the middle distance. Text reads: "What do I need to tell a lawyer when asking for help with my asylum case as an LGBTQI+ person?"

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a bisexual woman from Nigeria who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

A black woman with braided hair in buns, wearing a traditional Nigerian dress

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Why “End Immigration Detention”? What do we mean by “Border Profiteers”? What’s the alternative? 🌟Read about our new banner and explore these questions in our new article: rainbowmigration.substack.com/p/end-immigr...

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Our support groups at Margate Pride 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 "I loved Margate Pride, the humour from everyone around us, the lovely atmosphere, and then that mesmerising sunset at the end of the day… None of this would have happened without the support, love, and kindness of Rainbow Migration."

Group of queer people holding a large banner and smiling in the sun

Photo of the beach front with crowd of queer people

People holding a banner and handmade placards, including ones that say 'we're here and we're queer' and 'i'm very proud of myself'

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We have fantastic news - a gay man from Pakistan who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for him, and wish him all the best in this next chapter. Get support from us if you’re LGBTQI+ and seeking asylum: buff.ly/ofz8phx

Photo of Pakistani man looking away from the camera. Text reads: “When I reached out to Rainbow Migration’s legal team, I finally felt that someone listened to me and understood my situation. Because of your advice and support, I was able to explain the truth clearly and confidently...
I finally felt able to breathe freely and feel safe.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

When we think about the challenges that people seeking asylum face, one simple, but huge, difference would be making sure LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum can be in queer spaces and can connect with people. Find the guide on our website: www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/news/how-to-...

Text reads: How to make your event accessible and inclusive for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum?
Photo of hand-painted fabric banner

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Read Sam's blog where he shares what worked for him whilst claiming asylum: buff.ly/tozVLpf Like many other people seeking asylum Sam found the process of claiming asylum and waiting for decisions difficult and emotionally intense. This is his advice for other LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Photo of a crowd of smiling queer people, including Sam. Text reads: “Don’t give up. Keep going. Everything takes time. Take it step by step.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a gay man from Syria who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for him, and wish him all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

A photo of a man in a blue shiny bomber jacket and tracksuit bottoms facing away from the camera in front of buildings. Text reads: A gay man from Syria has been granted refugee status in the UK!

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Want something meaningful to add to your morning routine? Why not spend 5 minutes reading one of our Substack articles? buff.ly/kuYp4TV Always intersectional, and always centring LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum. *Cups of tea also allowed

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

📢 ‼️ As reported by DIVA magazine: We’re deeply worried that a change the Home Office is bringing in today (3 August) will make it even easier to wrongly refuse asylum claims from LGBTQI+ people and send them back to danger. Read more: buff.ly/QDUj3pn

Photo of black woman looking out of the window. Text reads: Concerns for LGBTQIA+ people after changes made to Home Office asylum interviews

At the moment, people going through the asylum system have two separate interviews; a shorter screening interview to collect basic details, and a longer substantive one where they have an opportunity to explain in depth why they need protection.
From today, in some instances the Home Office plans to combine these two interviews, leaving people with fewer chances to explain their asylum claim before a decision is made. This risks more people, including LGBTQI+ people, being returned to countries where they face serious danger.

At Rainbow Migration we are very concerned about this change.

Asylum decisions around LGBTQI+ asylum decisions continue to be plagued by irrational reasoning, factual error, unfairness, Western stereotypical expectations and disbelief.

We are also increasingly seeing decisions being made rapidly, and in some cases before the deadline to submit any evidence has passed.

We are calling on this government to pause this change and consult with organisations and people who have experience of applying for asylum to ensure people seeking safety here are not denied a fair chance to explain their need for protection.
“I had scars and plasters from the violent attacks back home, but still the Home Office didn’t believe I was a lesbian”
A lesbian woman from Nigeria

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

At Rainbow Migration we provide practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum. If you're LGBTQI+ and seeking asylum, get in touch with us if you are feeling isolated or need support with housing or healthcare: buff.ly/j3IxQyl

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a gay man from Nigeria who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for him, and wish him all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

3 challenges LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in the UK have when accessing mental health care 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 1 - Inadequate mental health support 2 - Fear of discrimination 3 - Impact of anti-migrant rhetoric

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a trans woman from Namibia who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍⚧️ 💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

a black woman with long braids at the dinner table

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Our new substack article is out today! buff.ly/57jLTuB We are exploring the fight, joy, and exhaustion in feeling disabled and/or d/Deaf and proud.

JP (they/them) is a queer performer and wheelchair user originally from Puerto Rico. They are facing away from the camera, outside on a street. Text reads: LGBTQI+, disabled and proud. "This is a vision of disability flourishing as queer worldbuilding" J.Logan Smilges

Photo of a white visually impaired man with long hair and a mobility aid in bottom right corner.

Text reads: People are disabled by the barriers operating in society that exclude and discriminate against them. In the past we have also written about how the asylum system itself is disabling.

For people who are LGBTQI+, disabled, and navigating the asylum system, these overlapping realities create complex, intersecting barriers to ‘feeling pride’.

Photo of two people smiling with their eyes closed in the sunshine. On the left is a young Latino woman who is a wheelchair user, and on the right a young Asian man.

Text reads: Yet we hope to offer space to, as J.Logan Smilges writes: “feel pride when we can, feel sad when we can’t, fight how we’re able, resting when we’re not, and pour ourselves into one another whenever we get the chance”.
Read the full piece on our Substack now

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Instead of continuing to punish marginalised communities this government should take a more humane and caring approach. One that enables people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety here and ensures trans people can live free from discrimination and fear.

photo a young white woman and young black man sat on a wall. Text reads: New Prime Minister: It's time for a meaningful shift in course

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We support LGBTQI+ people through the UK asylum and immigration system, and campaign for a more compassionate asylum system. If you've recently started following us, welcome - Sign up to our newsletter to get monthly updates on what we do and how you can help: buff.ly/bMTbwED

Photo of young black woman smiling. Text reads: new here? Hi and welcome! Our vision is world where LGBTQI+ people can settle safely in the UK and lead fulfilling lives

Our vision for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum... A world where LGBTQI+ people can settle safely in the UK and lead fulfilling lives

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Act now: oppose the expansion of Campsfield❗️ buff.ly/AEpMbRT ⬅️ Use this handy guide co-produced by @closecampsfield.bsky.social and @right-to-remain.bsky.social Take action before the 24 July by writing to the Planning Inspectorate and objecting to the proposed expansion.

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

3 reasons why support groups for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum are so important 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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A lack of inclusive and welcoming spaces for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum negatively affects people’s mental health
Olu, a lesbian from Nigeria: “At one point the Home Office put me in accommodation in a remote location, where there were no LGBTQI+ services or activities.”

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It can be life-changing to finally see yourself reflected in other people’s stories or journeys and realise you are not alone.
Sam, a trans man from the Middle East: “I got to know people, to come out, to have the space to talk comfortably. Our journey together was amazing – they are happy for you, you feel happy for them.”

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“There’s a triple sense of exclusion; we’re excluded from our home countries, excluded from migrant communities in our new country, and are also very hidden in queer spaces.”
Very few services understand the unique needs of queer people seeking asylum.

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

International Non-Binary People’s Day (14 July) is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the issues faced by non-binary people across the world. Get in touch if you are an non-binary person and seeking asylum in the UK based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Photo of person holding up non-binary flag.
Text reads: “It is very difficult to go through asylum and live in these places as a non-binary person.”

Photo of person holding up non-binary flag.
Text reads: “It’s so hard to seek asylum – then it’s so hard to start your new life once you get granted refugee status. I can’t explain how difficult it is, especially when you are LGBTQI+.”

Photo of person holding up non-binary flag.
Text reads: “Accommodation is still a challenge. Throughout the whole process I have been moved around to lots of places which aren’t safe. Since I have been granted status, I have been homeless on several occasions, with no options for safe accommodation at all.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Our legal advice service will be paused from 13 July (today) and will resume on 10 August 2026. Urgent cases: If you have an upcoming substantive asylum interview, appeal deadline, are detained or have received a removal notice, please contact us using our contact form buff.ly/zk4vDmW

A Chinese-American trans-femme person standing outside looking at the camera. Text reads: 'Please note: Our legal advice service is paused from
13 July until 10 August. During this time, we can only respond to urgent cases.'

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

“For years, I learnt to disappear. Now I am learning to exist without fear" writes an anonymous gay Colombian. Read his story on our website now: buff.ly/K5ZexNJ

Photo of gay couple smiling in a loving moment.
Text reads: “Today I have a boyfriend. And although for many people that may seem like a simple thing, for me it represents a freedom that for years I thought I would never have.”
The story of a gay man from Colombia

“Today, I still carry many of those experiences with me. But I also carry resilience, creativity and hope. Sharing my story is not about presenting myself as a victim. It is about showing the reality that many LGBTQ+ people still face behind closed doors, often in the name of religion, family or morality.

For years, I learnt to disappear.
Now I am learning to exist without fear.”

“In 2024, Colombia attempted to pass a law banning conversion therapy, but the proposal did not succeed. For many LGBTQ+ people, these experiences continue to exist hidden behind religion, family expectations and silence.”

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a bisexual person from Zimbabwe who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for them, and wish them all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

“£36 a week in London and they think I can have an expensive gay lifestyle?! I have to buy groceries! And what about the introverted people, am I not gay because I don’t want to go to nightclubs?” Bahiru, a gay man from Ethiopia

Photo of queer Black man with white braids looking at the camera.
Title reads: Did you know these 3 facts about how LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum are forced to 'prove' their sexuality and gender identity?
Rainbow Migration and Bird & Blend logos in bottom left corner.

1: People who do not have sexual or romantic histories are often not believed, but many hide their identity to stay safe from abuse or violence.
“All I had was myself and my sexuality, but they said that wasn’t enough.” Adam, a bisexual man from Ghana

2: The asylum system forces people to provide evidence of their past sexual history, relationships, emotions and potential trauma.
Marina, a lesbian from Cameroon, found the process of having to ‘prove’ her sexual orientation very difficult: “It’s like trying to prove that I am called my own name”

3: Whilst claiming asylum, many people are met with prejudice and Western stereotypes, or disbelief of sexual orientation.
“I had scars and plasters from the violent attacks back home, but still the Home Office didn’t believe I was a lesbian.“ Olu, a lesbian from Nigeria

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Photos from our banner-making workshop with our support groups for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum ❤️💛💚💙💜

Group of LGBTQI+ people holding handmade Pride banners

We're here and we're queer handmade banner

Fabric banner with a heart and the words 'Gay okay'

Person painting a fabric banner that says 'Love always wins the match'

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

🎉We have fantastic news - a gay man from Pakistan who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️‍🌈 💖We are very happy for him, and wish him all the best in this next chapter. #GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT

A gay man from Pakistan has been granted refugee status in the UK

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Rainbow Migration is proud to be Bird & Blend’s ChariTEA of the Quarter 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🫖 Over the next 3 months, all of the profits from the online sales of Fruits of the Forage go straight to Rainbow Migration, to support LGBTQI+ people fleeing persecution.

A black woman holding a handmade placard that says 'Be Your Self'. Text above reads: Rainbow Migration is proud to be Bird & Blend’s ChariTEA of the Quarter

A group photo of people at Pride.
Text reads: You can support Rainbow Migration with a cup of Fruits of the Forage! So, how do Rainbow Migration support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system?

White and blue colour palette, reads: They provide free and confidential specialist legal information for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in the UK.
“If I hadn’t found Rainbow Migration, I don’t think I would have found a lawyer and I’m not sure that I would have been prepared for the asylum process.” Jalal, a gay man from Morocco
Pride flag emoji at bottom of graphic

A photo of two people holding hands whilst sat on a picnic blanket.
Text reads: Rainbow Migration provides practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum to help access healthcare and housing.
They also facilitate regular support groups and wellbeing activities so LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum can feel less isolated and build community.

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rainbowmigration.bsky.social @rainbowmigration.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The anti-asylum bill laid before Parliament today represents yet another example of performative cruelty. Rather than fixing a system that is already failing, this bill punishes people who have fled danger and are trying to rebuild their lives in safety. Read full statement: buff.ly/yba1ACS

More performative cruelty instead of humanity from this government: Asylum seekers to pay £10,000 towards living costs under new UK law

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