OPAL is a London based grassroots community group run by African LGBT+ ethnic minority people for LGBT+ Refugees and Asylum seekers since 2013. We are a registered charity.

OPAL is raising funds to support the LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees living mainly in Greater -London (although we have members in Manchester, Leeds, Wales, and Birmingham)

Before the COVID pandemic, we would facilitate regular social meetups for our community to gain support, make friends and feel a sense of validation. Our group attendees range from refugees and asylum seekers from, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, Senegal, , Uganda, and. Zambia, Zimbabwe

We are a team of 9 volunteers, primarily refugees, and three organisations across Europe. We offer a range of services, including a helpline number, mental health support, sexual health services, non-binary support, and work with various faith groups and organisations representing LGBT+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

We respond to hundreds of emails and messages from LGBTQ+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK and those still in African countries where it is illegal to be gay. Sometimes they want to talk to someone and feel less alone. Other times people need more practical and urgent help.

As well as organising our community social events, we have produced a series of YouTube videos, podcasts, promoted our network organisations on social media and press, all to provide positive visibility and support to our community. We speak at events around Europe and provide our voice to challenge stereotypes.

Friends and funds from crowdfunding have funded our work. We have incredibly inspiring and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to help our community of individuals not fall through the net.

Thank you for reading, and wed be grateful for your donations. Follow us on all social media platforms [Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter]

We, therefore, make a passionate appeal to each and every one to donate generously today.

London Pride 2019