Alyaan’s story: Finding safety in anonymity
Alyaan was forced to leave Pakistan to save his life. Moving into a Micro Rainbow safe house, he found safety and comfort in anonymity.
21 May 2026
Micro Rainbow
Providing safe housing, employability, and and social inclusion support for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum.
40000
safe bed nights provided by Micro Rainbow every year
10
Micro Rainbow safe houses for LGBTQI asylum seekers across the UK
0
Countries around the world criminalise homosexuality
We are Micro Rainbow, the leading UK non-profit helping LGBTQI people fleeing persecution live free, safe and fulfilling lives.
Donate to support LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees
Every year, around 1,500 LGBTQI people flee countries where being themselves is punishable by imprisonment or even death. When they arrive in the UK, they often face homelessness, abuse, and isolation. Micro Rainbow provides life-changing services, including safe housing, moving on (integration), and social inclusion support, so they can rebuild their lives in dignity.
"I was incredibly lucky that Micro Rainbow was there at the right time. I kept worrying I would end up homeless, like so many LGBTQI asylum seekers do, and risk losing the claim or delaying the process. But when I arrived at the Micro Rainbow house, I felt a sense of relief to have a roof above my head and feel safe at the same time – something I hadn’t felt in a long time."
Alana, a trans woman from Malaysia
Are you an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee in need of support?
Micro Rainbow is here for you. We understand the challenges you may be facing, whether it’s finding a safe place to live, navigating the asylum process, or building a new life in the UK.
What we offer:
- Safe housing: Temporary accommodation for LGBTQI asylum seekers who are homeless or at risk. Our houses are safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where you can begin to rebuild.
- Social inclusion: Free workshops, peer support groups, and community events, where you can make friends and connect with others who understand your journey.
- Moving on: Help with CVs, job applications, and interview preparation. We also offer training and mentoring to support your goals and build confidence for the future.
You don’t have to go through the process of claiming asylum alone. Explore our programmes and find the support that’s right for you.
Safe housing
Safe, welcoming accommodation where LGBTQI asylum seekers can live free from fear and be themselves.
Social inclusion
Join our community activities and peer support groups to build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Moving on
We offer tailored support to help you access education, find work, and take the next step in your journey.
CPD accredited training courses
Micro Rainbow offers training to empower your organisation to work confidently with LGBTQI asylum seekers and create safe, trauma-informed and inclusive spaces. Contact our team at training@microrainbow.org or read more about our offer on the training page.
Watch 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. It has just been shortlisted for the Smiley Charity Film Awards – thank you to everyone who voted.
Director/Producer: Tom Paul Martin
The film was made with the generous support, guidance and expertise of The Media Trust and funding from the Santander Foundation.
Support LGBTQI people fleeing persecution
Help us create a world where no LGBTQI person seeking safety is left behind
Our work is only possible because of people like you. Your support helps us provide housing, community, and opportunities to those rebuilding their lives after fleeing persecution.
There are many ways to take action. You can donate or become an ally to help sustain our services, contact us if you’d like to collaborate or learn more, or give through our Amazon wishlist to provide essential items for our safe houses.
Become an ally
Show your support for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers by becoming a Micro Rainbow ally.
Donate items for our safehouses
Give practical help by purchasing essential items for our safehouses.
Get in touch
Get in touch to collaborate, ask questions, or make a referral for an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee,
Let's stay in touch
Get updates on our work, campaigns, and opportunities to stand with LGBTQI people seeking safety.
Micro Rainbow will use the information you provide on this form to email you our quarterly newsletter with the latest updates and news from us. We may occasionally email you with information about events and fundraisers.
Micro Rainbow is a Top 100 Social Enterprise for 2026
We have been included in the Social Enterprise Top 100 for the sixth year in a row, and Sebastian Rocca has been included in the inaugural Pioneer100.
8 May 2026
“Now it feels possible”: Aylin and Elif, a lesbian couple from Turkey on community, visibility and building a life in the UK
Read the story of Aylin and Elif, who went from being isolated in asylum accommodation to finally being safe and planning their wedding.
22 April 2026
How we make an impact
Download our annual impact reports and find out how we make a difference for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum.
