We are a group of women in
Greater Manchester who support lesbian
and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees.
The group consists of several volunteers who supports women seeking asylum from countries such as Afghanistan, Jamaica, Liberia, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iran, Namibia, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Somalia.
Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
The group was set up in 2007 as an anti-deportation campaign for a lesbian from Sierra Leone. In February 2008 the campaign was successful, and she was given leave to remain in Britain. Due to the high profile of this campaign more lesbian asylum seekers contacted the group during this time looking for support. We therefore decided to continue as a general support group for lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees.
● To provide a social network offering emotional support to lesbians and bisexual women currently applying for asylum and those refugees who have been granted leave to stay in the UK
● To offer practical support and assistance to members with current asylum applications based on sexuality and to ensure that our members are treated equally and with dignity during the often-inhumane asylum process.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
“In partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Smallwood Trust were pleased to provide emergency COVID-19 funding for the Lesbian Immigration Support Group (LISG) to cover hardship costs for lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees. From the beginning it was clear LISG was a specialist organisation who were reaching largely invisible groups of women, which further compounded the importance of their work. Smallwood looks forward to seeing the group continue to grow and develop long-term sustainability.”
LISG stands in solidarity with lesbians on Block 13, Kakuma Refugee Camp.
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‘These are diverse stories which are seldom heard. I hope this book will encourage empathy, compassion and a better understanding.’ Laila El Metoui, Equality Advocate.
‘What a great book!’ – Ali Smith, Winner of the Women’s Prize for fiction