This Refugee Week, African Rainbow Family is handing over the microphone. While the world frequently uses labels to oversimplify the lives of LGBTIQ+ people fleeing persecution, our community is a vibrant tapestry of individual stories, deep resilience, and profound joy.
Today, one of our brilliant Siblings, Syed, shares his deeply personal journey—from growing up in Bangladesh without the words to understand his identity, to finding inner peace, mental health resilience, and a chosen family right here at African Rainbow Family.
Here is his story, in his own words.
What was the moment you realised you deserved to live openly, even if the world around you didn’t make that easy?
It was within a year of moving to the UK from Bangladesh. Until then, I had always carried questions about why I felt different from other boys, why I was attracted to men, and why I had some feminine traits. Growing up, I didn’t have the language or understanding to make sense of those feelings.
After coming to the UK, I discovered the true meaning of being homosexual. For the first time, I learned that it was not a curse, a disease, or something to be ashamed of. I came to understand that being gay is simply a natural part of who a person is. That realisation was life changing. It helped me accept myself and gave me the confidence to begin living more openly, even though I knew that doing so would not always be easy.
The asylum process can be long and emotionally draining — what helps you stay brave through the uncertainty?
Currently, I am awaiting a decision on my human rights application. The uncertainty can be challenging, but as a spiritual person, I find strength in meditation and self-reflection. Taking time to look within and seek inner peace has helped me remain grounded and resilient throughout this journey.
I also find comfort and inspiration in music, films, and books, which provide both relaxation and a sense of connection to the wider world. These interests help me maintain a positive outlook, even during difficult periods.
I am especially grateful for the support of African Rainbow Family. Being surrounded by people who are facing similar challenges creates a strong sense of community and belonging. We support one another like siblings, sharing our experiences, encouragement, and hope. I am also very thankful for the counselling sessions provided by African Rainbow Family, which have been invaluable in helping me manage the emotional impact of the asylum process and stay focused on the future.
What do you wish people understood about the courage it takes to be an LGBTIQ+ person seeking asylum in the UK?
I wish people understood that being an LGBTIQ+ person seeking asylum requires courage every single day. Many of us have already faced rejection, discrimination, violence, or the fear of being ourselves in our countries of origin. Seeking safety does not mean those fears immediately disappear.
For some of us, the journey also means losing the support of family and friends. In my case, my family and many people I once considered friends are no longer in contact with me and show little concern for my wellbeing because of my sexual orientation. Living without that support network can be incredibly painful and isolating. It means facing major life challenges, uncertainty, and emotional struggles largely on your own.
When we arrive in the UK, we are often required to revisit painful memories and share deeply personal experiences in order to prove our need for protection. This process can be emotionally draining and re-traumatising. At the same time, we are trying to build a new life, navigate a new culture, and cope with uncertainty about our future.
It also takes courage to live openly as an LGBTIQ+ person after years of hiding a fundamental part of yourself. Simple things that others may take for granted—making friends, attending community events, expressing your identity, or talking openly about your life—can feel like significant acts of bravery.
Above all, I wish people understood that LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum are not defined solely by our circumstances. We are people with talents, aspirations, resilience, and the desire to contribute positively to society. Despite the challenges we face, we continue to move forward with hope, seeking nothing more than the chance to live safely, openly, and with dignity.
With a granted status, If you think about your lives and future plans, what courageous dreams are beginning to feel possible?
If I am granted status, I will finally be able to live with a greater sense of security and stability, which is something I have not experienced for many years. The constant uncertainty about my future would be lifted, allowing me to focus on building a life rather than simply surviving.
One of my biggest dreams is to continue developing my career and contribute positively to society through my skills and experience. I would like to pursue further professional growth, achieve financial independence, and build a stable future for myself.
On a personal level, I hope to live openly and authentically without fear, and to build meaningful relationships and a supportive community around me. Having spent many years without the support of my family, I look forward to creating a sense of belonging and connection with people who accept me for who I am.
I also hope to dedicate part of my future to working with organisations such as African Rainbow Family, supporting LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and others who are facing similar challenges. Having lived through these experiences myself, I understand the fear, uncertainty, isolation, and emotional struggles that many people go through. Because of this, I believe I can support others with genuine empathy, compassion, and understanding. It would be a privilege to stand alongside my siblings in the community, offering encouragement, practical support, and hope during difficult times, just as others have done for me.
Most importantly, a granted status would allow me to dream about the future with confidence and hope—to plan, to grow, and to live with dignity as my true self. It would give me the opportunity not only to rebuild my own life but also to help others rebuild theirs.
How would you describe the impact — positive, challenging, or otherwise — of being part of an LGBTIQ+ community for people seeking asylum?
Being part of an LGBTIQ+ community for people seeking asylum has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. As someone who has lost the support of family and many friends because of my sexual orientation, finding a community of people who understand my experiences has helped me feel less isolated and alone.
The asylum process can be emotionally challenging, and there are times when uncertainty, anxiety, and fear can feel overwhelming. Being surrounded by others who have faced similar struggles provides a sense of belonging, understanding, and mutual support that is difficult to find elsewhere. It is reassuring to know that there are people who truly understand what it means to navigate both the challenges of seeking asylum and the experience of being LGBTIQ+.
Through organisations such as African Rainbow Family, I have found not only friendship and support but also a sense of family. Community members encourage one another, share information, celebrate each other’s achievements, and provide comfort during difficult times. The counselling and wellbeing support available through the organisation have also played an important role in helping me maintain my mental and emotional resilience.
At the same time, being part of this community has opened my eyes to the many challenges that others continue to face. Hearing their stories has strengthened my empathy and deepened my desire to support others in the future. It has shown me the importance of solidarity, compassion, and collective strength.
For me, being part of an LGBTIQ+ community seeking asylum is about much more than receiving support. It is about finding acceptance, dignity, hope, and the confidence to be myself. It has reminded me that even in the most difficult circumstances, no one should have to face their journey alone.