Alight in action

in USA

550

LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers have been aided

321

received livelihood training

135

received seed funding to start or grow their business

Founding Year
2019
Customers served
LGBTIQ Somalians, Ethiopians, Burundians, Congolese, Eritreans, Ugandans, and Rwandans
Executive Director
Steve Roth
Challenge

LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya face significant challenges. Same-sex relationships are illegal and often not socially accepted. Additionally, Kenya has an “encampment policy” that requires refugees to reside within refugee camps. In the camps, LGBTIQ asylum seekers are subject to extreme discrimination and violence and can have difficulties going about their social and economic lives.

Impact
  • Skills training for economic empowerment
  • Seed funding to an LGBTIQ refugee-led soap-making business in Kakuma Refugee Camp
  • 142 participated in kitchen gardening training
Gathering insights from LGBTIQ refugees in Kenya

ORAM, in collaboration with Rainbow Railroad, launched an in-depth research project to examine the conditions for LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees in Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp. This study, endorsed by UNHCR and led by Kenyan researchers, aims to provide accurate information on the experiences, challenges, and needs of LGBTIQ individuals in the camp.

Vocational training programs for LGBTIQ refugees in Kenya

LGBTIQ refugees across Kenya are enrolled in vocational skills training provided by ORAM. Queer refugees in Nairobi and Kakuma Refugee Camp are learning diverse skills, including cosmetology, catering and food production, baking and pastry, graphic design, photography and videography, and fashion design and tailoring. These training sessions culminate in a graduation ceremony that celebrates the participants' achievements and new expertise.

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