ORAM

11/25/2025

2025 has been heavy.

Global conflict, economic strain, and shrinking humanitarian resources have left many of us wondering where to even begin. For LGBTIQ refugees, that uncertainty is even more real.

Two weeks ago in Kenya, our Communications & Development Coordinator, Kyle Kvamme, heard LGBTIQ refugees share their fears about what it would mean if major humanitarian organizations were forced to scale back support.

But he also witnessed something profoundly hopeful. “I met LGBTIQ refugees who were turning around and lifting others up. Even with limited resources and their own challenges, they used what they had to support those who came after them.”

This , ORAM is celebrating Radical Generosity Begins With Us — honoring LGBTIQ refugees who are giving back and inviting our community to join them.

Your gift empowers LGBTIQ refugees to rebuild their lives and support one another.

And thanks to several generous donors, we have an $8,000 Matching Gift — meaning your impact is DOUBLED when you give now.

🌟 Donate today and help spark a chain reaction of generosity! https://give.oramrefugee.org/campaign/748812/donate

11/20/2025

2025 has brought immense challenges for transgender, non‑binary, and gender‑diverse people around the world — many of which build on long‑standing injustices. 💔

In the U.S., research shows transgender people are more than four times as likely as cisgender people to experience violence.

Globally, the Trans Murder Monitoring Project has recorded more than 5,000 murders of trans and gender‑diverse people since 2008.

At ORAM, we honour and mourn the lives lost to anti‑trans violence — especially among refugee and displaced communities, who face compounded risks. 🕯️

We reaffirm our commitment to protect, empower, and advocate for transgender refugees and other displaced LGBTIQ individuals worldwide. 🏳️‍⚧️

11/19/2025

For , we shine a spotlight on a trans‑led CBO partner supporting q***r and trans refugees in Nairobi. 🏳️‍⚧️🫶🇰🇪

Meet Freedom House Initiative (FHI), which collaborates with ORAM's short‑term housing program to provide safe, dignified shelter to displaced LGBTIQ people. Through an apartment the organization rents, four LGBTIQ refugees live with support to rebuild their lives — access to essentials, community, and stability.

Last week, ORAM's team visited the space and met three clients: a trans woman from Uganda, a trans man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a trans woman from an undisclosed location. They spoke about how the apartment has become a "healing house" — a place of belonging that many had not known in a long time.

We extend our gratitude to Freedom House Initiative for their leadership, and to all their staff who make this work possible. Together, we're building a path to safety and inclusion for trans and q***r refugees in Kenya.

11/11/2025

Members of ORAM’s global team are in Nairobi this week! 🇰🇪

Our Executive Director, Steve Roth, Director of Programs Anja Limon, and Communications & Development Coordinator Kyle Kvamme have traveled to Nairobi to connect with our Kenya team and meet with LGBTIQ refugee clients. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We look forward to sharing updates from their week together — follow along to see how we’re working side by side to empower displaced LGBTIQ people and build safer communities. 🫶

11/06/2025

The Trump-Vance administration’s decision to cap refugee admissions at just 7,500 — the lowest in U.S. history — is a devastating blow to those most in need of safety. Prioritizing Afrikaners while shutting the door on vulnerable LGBTIQ refugees is not just a discriminatory policy; it’s a matter of life and death.

The Washington Blade highlights a collective statement with the Council for Global Equality and member organizations, including ORAM, condemning this cruel cap.

As ORAM’s Executive Director, Steve Roth, said, this policy is “a deliberate abandonment of the world’s most vulnerable.”

Read Michael K. Lavers’ full article to understand what’s at stake: https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/05/white-house-refugee-cap-is-a-national-disgrace/

10/20/2025

🇬🇧 London — there is still time to register for ORAM's Building Hope Together Event!

We're so excited to welcome you to Building Hope Together: The UK Launch of ORAM in Partnership with GiveOut — happening Thursday, 23 October (5–7 PM) at Deutsche Bank, 21 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9DB.

This special evening will mark ORAM's official UK launch, connecting our London community with our global mission to protect and empower LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.

Hear from ORAM's Director of Programs, Anja Limon, a Board Member, and one of ORAM's clients who will share their personal journey — a moving reminder of why this work matters. You'll also see a short documentary from Kenya showcasing ORAM's impact on the ground, and enjoy light refreshments and networking, generously hosted by Deutsche Bank.

The ORAM UK Fund, created in partnership with GiveOut, enables UK supporters to give tax-efficiently — including options for Gift Aid, payroll giving, and corporate donation matching — ensuring your generosity goes even further.

👉 Space is limited — reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-hope-together-the-uk-launch-of-oram-in-partnership-with-giveout-tickets-1763433128959

10/09/2025

10/07/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome — recently named one of ’ 50 Best Restaurants — to cater ORAM’s Reclaiming Resilience breakfast in Minneapolis this Thursday!

Chef Diane’s story is one of perseverance and leadership. We’re honored to serve her award-winning food at our event.

Alongside breakfast, you’ll hear from ORAM clients and staff about how our economic empowerment programs are helping LGBTIQ refugees around the world rebuild their lives and support others.

📍 NE Minneapolis (address provided after RSVP)
🗓 Thursday, October 9 · 8:30–10:00 AM
🔗 RSVP & donate via the link in bio

Attendance is free, but donations help sustain ORAM’s work supporting LGBTIQ refugees in Kenya, Mexico, and Europe.

Join us for a powerful morning of food, conversation, and community.

10/02/2025

📍 Event Recap: Mexico City Regional Gathering

In July, ORAM co-hosted a powerful two-day gathering in Mexico City with Casa Refugiados, the University of Nottingham, and Poesía Pintada to address LGBTIQ forced displacement and international protection.

From panel discussions to art therapy workshops and community dialogues, the event created space for learning, healing, and action.

At a time when violence, discrimination, and lack of state protection continue to displace LGBTIQ people across Latin America, Mexico is becoming a key place of transit, return, and refuge.

We were honored to welcome 77 participants, including more than a dozen LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.

📸 Swipe through for moments from the gathering — and thank you to our incredible co-hosts and attendees for showing up with heart, courage, and commitment.

09/30/2025

ORAM’s 2025 Annual Report is here!

Our theme, Holding the Line – Defending Pride, reflects a year of resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges for LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.

The report is especially meaningful — co-designed by an LGBTIQ refugee in Nairobi, a graduate of ORAM’s Digital Learning Center in graphic design.

Inside, you’ll find milestones, impact numbers, and powerful stories from the resilient LGBTIQ refugees we serve in Kenya, Mexico, and Europe.

👉 Click here to read the full report: https://www.oramrefugee.org/oram-annual-report-2025

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