MANCHESTER, 16 APRIL 2026
We, at African Rainbow Family, the leading UK-based Expert-by-Lived-Experience grassroots charity advocating and campaigning for the racial justice and human rights of LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum of African heritage and the Global Majority, have been responding through a series of BBC Radio interviews to discuss the recent BBC investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities within the asylum system. For example, yesterday, 15 April 2026, with the BBC Radio 4. Click here to listen to Aderonke’s response.
We strongly condemn in its entirety, any practice(s) that involve(s) falsely claiming to be an LGBTIQ+ person and/or the fabrication of evidence in support of such false claims and/or the exploitation of the asylum system for false asylum claims. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the asylum system but also risk casting a damaging shadow over genuine LGBTIQ+ asylum claimants and the grassroots organisations that provide critical, life-saving support to individuals in vulnerable situations. We are deeply concerned that these reports may fuel further suspicion and distrust toward legitimate immigration advice services, charities and, more importantly, the people we support.
Disrespectful and Harmful Practices
These alleged reported actions are deeply disrespectful and harmful. They reinforce harmful stereotypes through reductive and “obnoxious” portrayals of LGBTIQ+ identities, treating them as something that can be adopted or discarded at will. This narrative erases the lived realities of many individuals who face systemic discrimination, violence, and persecution because of who they are.
We consider such behaviour not only unethical but also a form of modern-day microaggression and outright homophobia towards LGBTIQ+ people. It diminishes the credibility of genuine LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and contributes to an already hostile environment.
Statement from Aderonke Apata, CEO of African Rainbow Family:
“I feel these dubious practices and behaviour are disgusting, painful, and disrespectful, particularly because they mock a community that faces real-world discrimination.
With the existing ‘culture of disbelief’ within the Home Office, the fraudulent use of LGBTIQ+ claims to secure immigration status threatens to further undermine the credibility of genuine individuals fleeing persecution.” Aderonke continued.
Call for Investigation and Safeguards
African Rainbow Family supports a full, transparent, and independent investigation into these allegations. It is essential that the facts are established and that any individuals or organisations found to be responsible are held accountable.
We believe that this is an abuse by the alleged rouges for monetary gains and exploitation of people who are already in vulnerable circumstances.
At the same time, we urge policymakers and the public to ensure that responses to these findings do not further harm those genuinely in need of protection. The focus must remain on safeguarding the rights and dignity of people seeking asylum, particularly those from already marginalised communities.
The Legal Aid cut needs to be reconsidered so that there are more regulated advice services available.
Moving Forward
These developments highlight the urgent need for:
- Ethical and accountable immigration advice services and support systems
- Trauma-informed and culturally competent asylum decision-making process
- Protection against the misuse of narratives that harm marginalised communities
African Rainbow Family remains committed to strengthen our robust systems of supporting LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum with integrity, dignity, and compassion.
Our Founder and CEO, Aderonke Apata, has been invited to speak on BBC Radio 4 to discuss the wider implications of these findings and the importance of maintaining trust and accountability within the asylum claiming process, immigration advice services and support sector.
You can listen to Aderonke’s interviews on this investigation here:
BBC Radio 5 Live Daytimes on 16 April 2026
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16th of April 2026
Contacts:
Adeniyi Balogun, African Rainbow Family’s Advocacy and Campaigns Manager: adeniyi.balogun@africanrainbowfamily.org
Luca Dicorato, African Rainbow Family’s Media, Relationships and Communication Officer: luca.dicorato@africanrainbowfamily.org