At Rainbow Haven, we’ve been closely following the global challenges faced by LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and the barriers to finding safety and stability. One recent news story, reported by The Toronto Star, highlights how LGBTQI+ refugees in Kenya are facing new obstacles as the country blocks resettlement efforts by Canadians and others.

This development adds yet another layer of difficulty for individuals already fleeing persecution in their home countries. For many LGBTQI+ refugees, countries like Kenya have served as a temporary haven while awaiting resettlement to safer nations. However, these policies jeopardize their safety and leave them in precarious situations.

What This Means for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers

This news is a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by LGBTQI+ asylum seekers worldwide. Many individuals are left stranded in countries where they still experience discrimination, violence, and limited access to resources. For those living in temporary shelters, safe housing and basic necessities like food, healthcare, and emotional support remain critical yet often unattainable without help.

At Rainbow Haven, we’ve witnessed firsthand how difficult it is for asylum seekers to navigate their journeys to safety. The recent policy changes in Kenya underscore the importance of creating safe spaces and providing direct support for LGBTQI+ refugees wherever they are.

What We’re Doing

Rainbow Haven is currently supporting LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in Dakar, Senegal, by offering safe housing, basic necessities, and a community of care. With a new four-bedroom apartment and an emergency studio apartment, we are able to provide refuge to individuals who have nowhere else to turn.

Our work ensures that those who are forced to flee persecution have a roof over their heads, meals to eat, and access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. However, the demand for safe housing and support continues to grow, and so does our need for resources to expand our efforts.

How You Can Help

The challenges faced by LGBTQI+ asylum seekers are immense, but together, we can make a difference. Here’s how you can support Rainbow Haven’s mission:

 

• • Donate: Your contributions directly provide safe housing, food, and essential supplies to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in need. Even a small donation goes a long way in creating a safe and welcoming environment.

• • Raise Awareness: Share this blog post and the news of these challenges with your network to bring attention to the plight of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers.

• • Volunteer or Advocate: If you’re interested in lending your time or voice to our cause, reach out to us.

Together, We Can Be the Change

This recent news may feel disheartening, but it also highlights how critical our work is at Rainbow Haven. By stepping in where others cannot, we are filling the gap for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers who are often overlooked or forgotten.

Your generosity helps us create a lifeline for those who need it most. Together, we can give LGBTQI+ asylum seekers the refuge and hope they deserve.

Donate Now and join us in building a safer world for everyone.