We are building a new movement for queer refugee safety
Together, we can break down the barriers keeping LGBTQIA+ refugees from safety, dignity, and equality in Australia.
Rainbow Refugees Australia is a national LGBTQIA+ organisation dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ people fleeing persecution to access Australia’s humanitarian program.
We aim to provide legal assistance, advocacy, and information to LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers —
people who face persecution in their home countries simply because of who they are.
The current international protection system too often fails LGBTQIA+ people
The UNHCR’s local processes can be unsafe or discriminatory. Australia’s own humanitarian program—though committed to prioritising the most vulnerable—relies on pathways and procedures that are difficult or dangerous for LGBTQI+ refugees to access. Most refugee resettlement visas are tied to UNHCR support or close family sponsors, which many LGBTQI+ people simply do not have.
We want to bridge this gap.
What we do
Legal Support
Where we can, we assist LGBTQIA+ refugees in navigating community sponsorships, self-referral applications, and other pathways to safety—especially for those who cannot safely go through UNHCR channels.
Policy Reform & Advocacy
We make formal submissions to government, advocating for inclusive reforms to the humanitarian program—including the creation of trusted LGBTQIA+ partner referral pathways, modelled on successful approaches used internationally, and the changes to existing pathways to recognise gender, sex characteristic and sexuality-based harm.
Community Partnerships
We work with lawyers, legal centres, LGBTQIA+ organisations, and refugee allies to provide culturally safe, strategic support and to build long-term systems of care and accountability.
Pathways to Safety
We’re developing a model for ethical, community-led sponsorship and support—recognising that LGBTQIA+ people are often excluded from family-based sponsorship systems due to the very persecution they’re fleeing.
Join the Movement
Rainbow Refugees Australia is just getting started — and we want you to be part of it.
We’re building a national network to stand with LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking safety in Australia. Every voice, every action, and every supporter helps us grow the pressure for change and create real pathways to protection.
By signing up for email updates, you’ll:
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Hear the latest news on our advocacy work
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Learn how you can take action to support LGBTQIA+ refugees
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Be the first to know about events, campaigns, and volunteer opportunities
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See the impact we’re making together
We’re small but growing — and your support at this stage means everything.
Add your name today and help us grow this new movement for safety, dignity, and equality.
Our Vision
We believe no one should be denied protection because of their identity.
Our goal is a humanitarian system that recognises the unique risks faced by LGBTQIA+ people and actively removes the barriers to their inclusion.