The LGBTQ+ project supports our clients who identify as LGBTQ+. These clients face a double prejudice; they face hostile immigration policies and are often ostracised by their own refugee communities. Our aim is to support these clients throughout their time in the asylum system and beyond, to reduce isolation and increase wellbeing and confidence.
Our LGBTQ+ Support Project sits between the Specialist Advice team and Community engagement, with the aim of being a safe and welcoming service for clients from LGBTQ+ communities. It combines information sessions and advice delivered by LGBTQ+ volunteers with monthly social gatherings during which we talk, get creative and visit local LGBTQ-friendly venues and take part in activities.
How we help…
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Monthly social gatherings, providing a safe space for clients
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Information sessions and advice delivered by LGBTQ+ volunteers on many different matters, including but not limited to: referring to LGBTQ+ safe housing, legal signposting, hate crime, bullying, signposting to sexual health and trans health services, and general advocacy.
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Volunteering opportunities for people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community
An annual highlight is our participation in the Nottinghamshire Pride parade and celebrations – for many of our clients, this is the first time they have felt free and able to openly celebrate their gender and sexuality. This year, we also took part in the Queer Solstice Ball!
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new clients joined the project this year
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clients contributed to interpreter consultation work to improve accessibility and inclusion
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people were signposted to LGBTQ+ specialist support services
Want To Support Our LGBTQ+ Project?
Play the Rainbow Lottery!
I’ve been working at Nottingham Refugee Forum for over 13 years and have been playing the #rainbowlottery for almost three years. I never expected to win anything, but it has been my small way of supporting our LGBTQ+ project.
When I saw the notification that I’ve won something, I didn’t even bother to open the email – after all, it was the Saturday after the VOscars and I was still exhausted from a long day of celebrating our lovely volunteers! On Sunday, I finally checked my emails and was surprised to see I won £2000! That’s family holiday money I won’t have to carve out of my savings account…
So, winning the lottery does happen to ordinary people like me! 🥳
If you feel inspired, or just lucky, you can also become a Rainbow Lottery player, support our LGBTQ+ Project for as little as £1 per week, and hope to hit the £25,000 jackpot one day!
