It might feel like you're the only one. Especially if you're from a small town, if everyone around you says it's a disease or a sin. You're not alone. In the UK, thousands of people have been through what you have. Here's where to find them.
Groups for LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees
LGBTQ+ asylum seekers
Rainbow Migration — support groups
Groups specifically for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees. Meetings online and in person. You can just come, listen, meet people. Everyone has been through the asylum process — they understand without words.
housing + community
Micro Rainbow
Not just housing — they build community. Shared dinners, workshops, movie nights. People from different countries but with the same experience. A safe place where you don't have to hide.
London, every Tuesday
Outcome (Islington Mind)
LGBTQI+ drop-in every Tuesday 11:00-16:00. In person + online. Tea, conversations, support. No need to explain anything. Open for asylum seekers.
Places to just show up
London
London Friend
The UK's oldest LGBTQ+ organisation (since 1972). Support groups, social events, mental health and addiction support. You can start by just coming to a social event.
Manchester
LGBT Foundation
Manchester. Groups, social evenings, health support, volunteer programme. Different events every week. You can start by volunteering — you'll be part of a community right away.
Birmingham
Birmingham LGBT Centre
Hurst Street, right in the middle of Gay Village. Groups, events, counselling. A place where you won't be judged.
Brighton
Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
Groups, events, helpline. Brighton is the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK — the community here is especially strong.
Sport
football
Stonewall FC and others
LGBTQ+ football teams exist in every major UK city. Stonewall FC in London is the oldest LGBTQ+ team in the world. You don't need to be a pro — just come to a training session.
running, swimming, etc.
LGBTQ+ sports groups
Running: Frontrunners (London and other cities). Swimming: Out To Swim (London). Rugby, volleyball, boxing — search "LGBTQ+ sport" + your city. A great way to make friends without pressure.
Online
helpline
Switchboard
Not just for crisis. You can call just to chat. About anything. Volunteers are LGBTQ+ themselves. Every day 10:00-22:00. Anonymous.
online groups
MindOut
Online Zoom groups for LGBTQ+ people. Monday — for people of colour. Tuesday — for trans/non-binary. Wednesday — general. You can keep your camera off. Just listening already helps.
Pride
the main event
Just come
Pride isn't just a parade. It's a place where you see thousands of people like you for the first time. Openly. Without fear. Free. Every major UK city has its own Pride. London — July. Manchester, Brighton — August. Just come and see: you're not alone.
Scotland
Glasgow — refugees
LGBT Unity
A group specifically for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. ~150 members. Meetings every 2 weeks. Founded by migrants for migrants.
Scotland
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Counselling, support groups, mental health. Has a project for refugees (350+ people since 2019). Scotland's helpline.
Edinburgh
LGBT Youth Scotland
For young LGBTQ+ people aged 13-25. Youth work, advocacy, groups.
Wales
Cardiff / Wales
Umbrella Cymru
Support on gender and sexuality issues for all ages. Counselling, advocacy, emotional support.
Cardiff — BME
Glitter Cymru
Monthly meetups for LGBTQ+ people of colour. Including refugees. Zoom and in-person events.
Northern England
Liverpool
Sahir
LGBTQ+ and HIV organisation since 1985. Counselling, support, help for asylum seekers.
Newcastle
Northern Pride
The largest LGBTQ+ organisation in the north-east of England.
Leeds
Yorkshire MESMAC
One of the largest sexual health organisations in the UK. Groups, counselling, free HIV testing.
National
African Rainbow Family
For LGBTQ+ people of African heritage and their families. Support, advocacy, community building. Based in Manchester, working across the UK.