Finding friends for LGBTQ+ refugees

ACCEPTANCE & TRUST

We are seeing an increase in referrals of people seeking asylum after being persecuted due to their sexual preference.

The gay movement United Queerdom, for example, have referred several community members to us, whom we have connected with LGBTQ+ befrienders ready to help them feel accepted in their host cities.

A great example is the friendship match between Marcus, a chemical engineer from Uzbekistan, and Mark, a senior HR professional.

When we introduced them, Marcus had just celebrated his 42nd birthday, so Mark brought a gift to their first outing. Since then they have met regularly for walks, visits to London pubs and cultural events. Marcus tells us he loves getting to know British culture from the inside.

“Before, I only saw UK life on TV, but now I'm experiencing the real thing! This friendship is on a whole new level. It's an excellent match because we have so much in common.”

A warm welcome

Mark has found the friendship a very positive experience too and it has also deepened his understanding of how it can feel to live in a country where being gay is extremely difficult. “It has opened my eyes to what life is like for someone like Marcus in Uzbekistan,” he explains.

“I try to message him every few days to maintain that rapport and make sure he’s not feeling isolated. He's really pro-active and keen to integrate here.”

Marcus, who has just been granted refugee status, finds Mark’s support invaluable. Not only has his English improved, but also his understanding of British culture and attitudes here towards the LGBTQ+ community.

“Mark has invited me to meet his friends and I'm so much more confident now. This programme is really nice, it's the perfect way to help with integration.”

Emily and Ritah

Ritah (pictured right), who studied Economics, is from Uganda, where being gay can be punishable by death. In July 2024 we introduced her to HostNation befriender Emily, who identifies as queer and loves music, dancing and Gaelic football.

Both in their 20s and both Christian, they hit it off immediately and now meet up almost every weekend.

“Emily is a very good friend indeed," exclaims Ritah. "Every weekend she has something planned for us!" Emily has introduced Ritah to her family and friends, and taken her to celebrate London Pride Week, Black Pride and Brighton Pride. Ritah is overjoyed, both by the friendship, and the new acceptance she has found here in the UK.

"Meeting all Emily's friends and family showed me that there is no discrimination in the UK. You really feel welcome and not lonely anymore. I wouldn’t want to lose that.”

Soon after they met through HostNation, Ritah got refugee status and the two new friends celebrated together. She now lives closer to Emily and nothing comes in the way of their friendship, as Emily says:

“I've found it great and I’ve made a new friend. She's a lot of fun and gets on with my friends. I've learnt a lot about Uganda and about going through the asylum process.”

These two friendship stories show once again the special value of being matched with a local friend who shares your interests and values. Having a like-minded person to relax and have fun with, often after years of concealment and fear, is a true gift.

This article features in our latest Annual Report. Find out more about the impact of our work.