Pride Without Borders

Pride Without Borders (PWB) is a social enterprise based in Leicester entirely run by (forced) migrants and British volunteers that provides support and advice to LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer, the “+” represents the countless other groups of sexual and gender minorities that would make the acronym too long for practical use) asylum seekers and refugees whose claim rests on their LGBT+ status. The project was born when some migrants and British activists volunteering at the drop-ins of the aid organization Leicester City of Sanctuary began to realize that as more individuals came to Leicester and UK in general, many sought asylum specifically for their LGBT+ identity and needed special support. In fact, as John Ssenkindu, one of the founding members of PWB, explains:

“Many LGBT+ asylum seekers typically avoid to ask for help as they fear that that will expose their LGBT+ status and possibly negatively affect their asylum application and their everyday life. PWB helps its members to build up the confidence and trust they need to face their everyday challenges”.

PWB offers a variety of social and support activities for its members, such as accompanying them to court hearings and Home Office interviews, running weekly drop-ins, and attending Gay Pride Parades and other LGBT+ events that help members build up vital evidence to prove their sexual orientation and gender identity to the Home Office.

Within three weeks since the beginning (29^th of January 2015), PWB had attracted fifteen members and it has had remarkable success in helping them to get leave to remain. Our members come from countries like Uganda, Congo, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, South Africa and South Sudan.

PWB community has expanded radically since the beginning due to extensive networking with already existing LGBT+ organisations, groups, and communities in the UK, whose members are normally UK or European citizens, such as the Leicester LGBT Centre, LASS (Leicestershire AIDS Support Services), LGBT+ Student Union associations of the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, the Leicestershire County Council’s LGBT Workers’ Group.

*PWB does not offer legal advice*