What we do
LGBT people are discriminated against and excluded in large parts of the world
There are countries where they can be imprisoned or even sentenced to death because of their orientation. Fleeing is often the only option. They leave their family and friends behind for an uncertain future in a foreign country. As in their home country, their sexual orientation and/or gender identity is often not accepted by their immediate environment and other refugees. This can lead to severe threats, social isolation, anxiety, depression or worse.
What we do
Our Asylum working group takes migrants out of this social isolation and introduces them to OPAL (LGBT) society by organising meetings and activities, where they can get to know each other.
NB: The coordinators of the working group do not interfere in the asylum procedure and do not provide medical help. If necessary, we refer newcomers to legal advisors and medical professionals.
Please note: OPAL cannot offer legal, medical, mental or financial help (apart from sustenance and transport). If more help is needed, we will refer to other organisations.
We hold our Asylum Legal support meeting every last Saturdays of the Month at 56 Dean Street London West End (SOHO).
Do you want to participate in our activities, do you have a question, or do you want to become a volunteer? Please contact us at info@africanlgbti.org
In short, this is what we do:
Our workgroup helps these LGBT migrants to break the cycle of isolation. If they have not applied for asylum, we refer them to lawyers who make asylum application/call the Immigration for them. We also introduce them to the OPAL (LGBT) society by organising meetings and other activities where they can get to know each other and the (LGBT) culture.
Pastoral Service
Is it possible to be a Christian and gay, lesbian or bisexual? Can you be open about this within a church without being judged? Does the Bible say anything about transgender people? How do religions such as Islam and Judaism view sexual and gender diversity? These are just some of the questions that are of relevant concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith, (LGBTIs) and their environment. With all these questions, you can contact the working group Faith and Religion. Our mission is to improve the position of African LGBTI believers in the UK. We focus mainly on Christians, but we can also involve Muslims in their search for relevant organisations.
Workshops
Now and again we organise absorbing Talks. For example, we previously held lectures on Homosexuality in Islam, Homosexuality in the Bible, Sexual Diversity, and Homosexuality and the Bible. We also host workshops on HIV awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Education, Employment, and Asylum and Refugee Legal Support. Check our Agenda/Event List.
make a referral
Refer someone to OPAL
If you would like to refer someone to OPAL, someone who you consider would benefit from our services, please email us at info@africanlgbt.org for a referral form and return it to the same email. Please do not post your referral as the office is presently closed due to the coronavirus crisis. For further information, please call us on 07537968156.
