Despite the cancellation of Pride parades and physical gatherings, we want to celebrate Pride in 2020 by supporting Journey Asylum Seekers Support who provide ongoing relational and practical support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in Birmingham. Donations can help provide asylum seekers with mobile access, travel grants and other resources to help them access services and stay connected relationally.

Journey Asylum Seekers Support is a partner organisation to Journey MCC church, offering social space, emotional and practical support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. It began when Journey recognised there was a need among LGBTQ+ asylum seekers for somewhere safe where they could find "their" people and access services. LGBTQ+ people often face extra challenges in navigating the asylum system. They may fear seeking support from people of their own ethnic or national background due to traditional ideas and beliefs about sexuality, so they can become isolated. It can be extremely difficult for them to express their situation to officials when under stress, facing a language barrier and having to speak about things which they may never have voiced out loud before.

At the heart of Journey's work is a simple monthly meal held in the friendly surroundings of the LGBT centre. Here people find others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. For some this is their first opportunity to socialize freely with other LGBT people. They are able to access the many services provided by the centre including one to one support, health clinics and exercise classes. Many tell us that they were very isolated until the group opened up a new world for them.

The volunteers, although not legally qualified have built up a wealth of knowledge which enables them to assist people navigating through the complex system of claiming asylum. And often we find the people best able to help those new to it all are people who've been through it themselves. We can help with small practicalities like form filling, telephone calls and help with bus fares to get to appointments. We can also sometimes attend court to give evidence in support of a person's claim, or just to be a friendly presence.

Each year, the group marches together in the Birmingham Pride parade. For many this will be their first experience of Pride event and it's often a major milestone for folk who are still getting used to living in relative safety. We carry banners and flags representing all the places people have come from, where they're still unable to celebrate Pride openly. This year we are having to find other ways to celebrate but community is as vital as ever, even more so in the current situation. Through phone calls, Zoom socials and whatever other ways they can find, Journey Asylum Seekers Support continues to bring people together, and looking after one another as LGBTQ+ siblings.