Marching Without Fear: Help LGBTQ+ Refugees Celebrate Their First Pride

This Pride Month, we are asking for your support to help LGBTQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum take part in Pride events across London for the very first time.

For many members of Out & Proud African LGBTI (OPAL), Pride is more than a celebration—it is a moment of freedom, healing, and belonging.

Many of our members have fled countries where being LGBTQ+ is criminalised or heavily stigmatised. Some have experienced imprisonment, violence, blackmail, family rejection, homelessness, and threats simply because of who they are. Many spent years hiding their identity in fear.

This year, for the first time in their lives, they will have the opportunity to march openly and proudly alongside thousands of others, without shame, fear, or the threat of persecution.

Imagine what it means for someone who has spent their entire life hiding to finally hold a Pride flag, walk through the streets of London, and hear the words:

“You belong here.”

Your donation will help OPAL:

🏳️‍🌈 Support members to participate in Pride marches and events

🏳️‍🌈 Provide travel and accessibility support for refugees and asylum seekers

🏳️‍🌈 Create Pride banners, flags, T-shirts and materials

🏳️‍🌈 Organise safe community gatherings and wellbeing sessions throughout Pride Month

🏳️‍🌈 Ensure members have food, refreshments and a welcoming space to connect before and after events

🏳️‍🌈 Capture and share powerful stories of resilience, hope and survival

For many of our members, this will be the first time they have ever celebrated Pride openly.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind because of poverty, isolation, or their immigration status.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps create a Pride experience that our members will never forget.

Donate today and help LGBTQ+ refugees march with pride, dignity, and freedom.

Thank you for standing with us.

Out & Proud African LGBTI (OPAL)