ORAM

Ahead of , ORAM’s Kenya Team hosted a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for 12 LGBTIQ refugee community leaders in Nairobi.

The workshop strengthened participants’ leadership, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills while creating a safe space for them to reflect on their journeys, discuss their impact in the community, and celebrate well-earned milestones and successes.

“This year, there were mixed emotions around World Refugee Day — happiness for how far the LGBTIQ refugee community has come in Nairobi, and sadness for the immense challenges the community still faces, especially new arrivals,” shared ORAM’s Program Officer, Kennedy Mwangi.

At ORAM, we believe refugee leadership is essential to building stronger, safer, and more connected communities. Thank you to ORAM’s Kenya Team for facilitating this valuable training, and congratulations to all participants as they continue strengthening their leadership skills and supporting their communities.

Seven years ago today, Steve Roth became ORAM’s Executive Director and helped guide the organization into a new chapter of growth, impact, and community-centered action.

Steve’s journey at ORAM began with a listening tour — hearing directly from LGBTIQ refugees around the world about their needs, hopes, and priorities. That commitment to listening has continued to shape ORAM’s work: protecting and empowering LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers, creating sustainability and systemic change.

To recognize Steve’s anniversary, we are sharing reflections on his leadership from across the ORAM community — including staff members, partners, donors, supporters, and LGBTIQ refugees impacted by ORAM’s work.

Thank you, Steve, for your continued dedication, vision, and determination to expand ORAM’s mission and help build a world where LGBTIQ refugees can live safely, with dignity, and with opportunity.

For Alina*, a bisexual refugee from Kyiv, the life she had built changed after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

She fled with her mother and two cats, eventually arriving in Germany. During those first uncertain weeks, a gay couple opened their home to Alina and her family — offering safety, care, and a place to begin again.

“For me, it was interesting how people from the gay community stepped up first,” Alina reflected.

That support helped shape Alina’s path forward.

Through ORAM’s economic empowerment initiative for LBTIQ women refugees from Ukraine, Alina joined a professional development seminar, enrolled in a UX/UI design course, and connected with a mentor as she worked to rebuild her professional life in Germany.

This is Adaptability in Action: q***r community support, practical tools, and pathways helping LGBTIQ refugees move toward safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.

Read Alina’s full story here: https://www.oramrefugee.org/post/democracy-must-be-fought-for-how-q***r-support-helped-alina-rebuild-in-germany



*Name changed to protect Alina’s safety.

From all of us at ORAM, happy .

We stand in solidarity with all members of the LGBTIQ community — especially those living in displacement.

At ORAM, Pride Month is also Refugee Pride — a time to honor LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers, especially as we approach World Refugee Day on June 20.

This year, LGBTIQ organizations, particularly those serving refugees and asylum seekers, are facing severe funding constraints and political backlash while community needs continue to grow.

To meet this moment, ORAM is working with clarity, strategy, and creativity to protect and empower as many LGBTIQ refugees as possible.

During Pride Month, we are honoring Adaptability in Action. Adaptability is one of ORAM’s five core values, and we are putting it into practice by strengthening partnerships, coordinating services, and using limited resources as efficiently as possible to make the greatest impact.

Throughout the month, we’ll share moments that show ORAM practicing Adaptability in Action.

Follow along this to learn how ORAM is adapting to meet this moment.

IDAHOBIT’s 2026 theme — At the Heart of Democracy — reminds us that during conflict, political instability, and shifting regimes, LGBTIQ refugees face heightened risks and are often excluded from traditional humanitarian response.

Join ORAM for an Instagram Live discussion on Protecting LGBTIQ Refugees in Times of Crisis.

ORAM’s Director of Programs, Anja Limon, will be in conversation with Communications & Development Coordinator Kyle Kvamme about how global crises impact LGBTIQ refugees — and what grassroots and refugee-led organizations have identified as critical support through ORAM’s Inclusion Program.

📅 May 20
⏰ 9:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM CEST
📍 Instagram Live on

Follow ORAM and tune in to learn more about strengthening protection and support for LGBTIQ refugees.