Gay man from Iraq granted refugee status

A gay man from Iraq has been granted refugee status after being supported by the charity Micro Rainbow at their West Midlands housing. Micro Rainbow – a charity that provides safe housing, employability, and social inclusion support for LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK – celebrated the news of Samir’s refugee status on social media.

Micro Rainbow support LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees

In a post shared on Facebook, Micro Rainbow explained: “In Iraq, same-sex sexual activity is criminalised under the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law (2024), which imposes up to 15 years’ imprisonment for same-sex conduct. LGBTQI people face harassment, violence, and even killings, with no legal protections against discrimination.

“Samir was not safe being who he is back home. Since arriving in the UK, he has lived in our housing in the West Midlands, where he found safety and community. Now, supported by our moving-on team, Samir is beginning to settle into his new life, free to live openly and authentically.”

Micro Rainbow was the first to open a safe house in the UK dedicated to providing safe, temporary shelter solely for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. They now have homes located in London, the North West, and the West Midlands. This year the charity reached a milestone of 30 safe houses for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution, just like Samir.

This Giving Tuesday, the charity is encouraging those who are able to donate to ‘give the gift of safety’.

“Home should be a space of safety and security, but all too often, for LGBTQI people fleeing persecution, that isn’t the case. Many LGBTQI people seeking asylum in the UK are forced to share accommodation with people who share the same homophobic and transphobic views they left their home countries to escape. They must hide who they are again to stay safe and live with the constant fear of being exposed.

“But in Micro Rainbow’s safe houses, LGBTQI people seeking asylum are safe to be who they are. They no longer have to hide and can live openly as their true selves.”

Full details on donating, and what your donations are used for can be found on the website.