Say It Loud Club is the community of LGBTQ+ refugees in the UK

Our Vision

Our vision is for a world where LGBTQ+ people can express their sexuality and gender identity safely and with pride. Until this is possible, we believe the UK should provide a place of safety for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, providing an environment in which everyone can flourish as their true self.

We engage with our members through one-on-one mentoring, workshops, social events, peer support, and referral to partner organisations for legal, financial, health and housing support.

Origins of Say It Loud Club

Say It Loud Club was born in 1994, as an LGBTQ+ rights campaigning group in Uganda. Fast forward 30 years, and we are now one of the largest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ refugees in the UK.

Throughout our journey, one person has been at the centre of everything – an LGBTQ+ refugee himself – Aloysius Ssali.

Member stories

Life for me back home became hard when my sexuality was found out. I was brutally punished by my own family – taken from traditional doctor to traditional doctor all in the name of healing me. This didn’t change a thing, and made my life even worse as I started getting abused by the traditional doctor.

Living at home, it was like a prison. I was bullied all the time. I couldn’t share my feelings with anyone. I felt I was living two different lives. I couldn’t walk through the street holding my partner’s hand. I couldn’t even touch him in public because of the fear of getting us both killed.

My situation changed when I began to realise that I was a lesbian at the age of 17, while at college. This is when my life turned upside down. In a short period of time, my family had rejected me and my life was in danger.

For me, growing up was not fun at all. I was bullied and I was not shown love from parents. They said they loved me but I was always treated different from my siblings.

Concealing my sexuality in Nigeria was very hard and not what I wanted, but it was the only way for me to live and manage my same-sex relationship. However, eventually this relationship got me into trouble and I realised that my life was in danger. I ran away from my country.

I love being a member of Say It Loud Club, and proudly take photographs of all of the club events.

Back home, I was a closeted gay man. I cried many nights on my own because I had no one to speak to about my sexuality, and the unbearable pain I went through.

After a few months, I had become a group volunteer and before long, I was helping other women who had suffered homophobia and telling them the importance of living openly and seeking help.

I reached out to Say It Loud Club and after attending to an appointment, I felt a little shine of hope

I’ll forever be grateful to Aloysius and the entire Say It Loud Club community.

When I opened up to SILC and its founder Aloysius, they reassured me that it was OK to talk about. Aloysius encouraged me to speak to a solicitor, and accompanied me. Knowing that I wasn’t on my own gave me the courage to seek more help during my coming out journey.

What We Do

Supporting LGBTQ+ Refugees and People Seeking Asylum in the UK

Say It Loud Club is a member-led community offering long-term, personalised support for LGBTQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum rebuilding their lives in the UK.

We provide a safe space where members can be themselves, access tailored help, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Our approach is rooted in lived experience

Tailored One-to-One Support

Every new member meets with a team member who shares similar lived experience as an LGBTQ+ refugee. We take time to understand each person’s journey, background, and needs, offering safe, confidential conversations where trust can grow. Together we create a tailored support plan focused on each person’s needs. Many of our members stay connected with us for years, receiving guidance as they rebuild their lives and navigate the asylum process.

Peer Support

We believe in the power of community. Each new member receives one-to-one peer support from someone who understands what they’re going through. These sessions help members explore their identity, build confidence, and manage the stress and uncertainty of seeking asylum in the UK. Many go on to mentor others, creating a strong cycle of shared learning and care.

Workshops and Group Activities

We run regular workshops on key topics such as housing, physical and mental health, employment, and financial wellbeing. English conversation groups and themed drop-ins provide practical skills and connection. We also celebrate Pride, cultural festivals, and other milestones together — helping members share experiences, learn from one another, and build a sense of belonging.

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Housing and Practical Support

We support members to find safe, secure, and affordable housing through our dedicated housing project and partnerships with trusted landlords. Our emergency fund provides small grants for members at risk of destitution, ensuring immediate needs are met with compassion and care.

Partnership and Referrals

We work closely with a trusted network of partner organisations to ensure our members can access specialist help when needed. We both make and receive referrals to legal, healthcare, housing, and wellbeing services that are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. This collaborative approach ensures every person receives the full support they deserve.

Say It Loud Club provides LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees with one-to-one mentoring, workshops, social events, peer support, help in crisis, and referral to partner organisations for legal, financial, health and housing support.

We rely on our incredible community of supporters so that we can continue our work. Donate today to join us in helping LGBTQ+ refugees find safety, happiness, and pride in the UK.

Say It Loud Club is a London-based charity supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. Our mission is to create a safe, empowering, and supportive community.

If your organisation would like to explore partnerships, funding opportunities, or joint initiatives with Say It Loud Club. We welcome collaborations that help us support and empower LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in London.

As a small community-based organisation we welcome those with key skills to offer and support our work. If you think you might have skills and experience that can help us, please get in touch!