Community support group Rainbow Refugee Perth is celebrating their success in supporting LGBTIQA+ refugees find a new home in Western Australia.
Rainbow Refugee Perth will be hosting a showcase and sundowner event, highlighting where they can offer support to those seeking refuge and giving community the opportunity to connect with newcomers and learn more about the group’s work.
Earlier this year, we caught up with Julian, who shared his experience working with Rainbow Refugee Perth, and the love he found from community in his new home. Julian and fellow newcomer Sinem will be sharing their journeys first-hand at the event.
City of Perth Deputy Mayor, David Goncalves, will MC the evening, bringing his perspective as a long-time activist for LGBTIQA+ rights.
“They say love is a verb – so is community. It’s something we do: the time we give, the friendships we offer, the doors we open, until someone who arrives here a stranger feels they truly belong,” the Deputy Mayor said.
“That’s what Rainbow Refugee Perth does – turning rights on paper into rights people can live and breathe, and making Perth not just refuge, but a welcoming home.”
Rainbow Refugee Perth spokesperson June Lowe, said welcoming newcomers had deepened the group’s appreciation of the freedoms we often take for granted.
“It’s extraordinary to witness the newcomers’ relief at finding themselves in a safe place. For the first time in their adult lives, they can be open about who they are. When you’ve come from a place where that could cost you your life or liberty, it’s no small matter”.
June says the project has also shown just how willing Perth’s LGBTQI community is to step up.
“Whenever we’ve put out a call for help – finding a room, or furniture, or invitations to an event – people have been so warm and generous. A huge thank you to everyone”.
“Rainbow Refugee Perth is a just small group of friends – everyone is busy, but between us and the wider community, it’s been very doable and rewarding.”
For anyone who is curious about getting involved, representatives from the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP) will be on hand to give expert advice.
Rainbow Refugee Perth’s Showcase and Sundowner event will be held on Tuesday, 15 September at Citiplace Community Centre. For more, head to Humanitix.
