ORAM ORAM is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting LGBTIQ asylum seekers
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ORAM is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world’s most vulnerable refugees.

Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine enters its fifth year of war.For many...
02/24/2026

Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine enters its fifth year of war.

For many, the headlines have shifted. But for millions of Ukrainians — including LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers — the impact continues every day.

From the earliest days of the invasion, ORAM responded by providing safe, short-term emergency housing for LGBTIQ Ukrainians forced to flee. That work continues today across three continents, ensuring that q***r refugees have access to protection, stability, and community.

As Zhenya, a nonbinary Ukrainian activist and artist, shared:
“The war may no longer be at the top of the news… but that doesn’t mean people have stopped struggling.”

On this anniversary, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine — and especially with LGBTIQ refugees navigating displacement with resilience and courage.

Read Zhenya’s story and hear more voices from LGBTIQ Ukrainians in our blog: https://www.oramrefugee.org/blog

Want to stay informed on what’s happening for LGBTIQ refugees around the world? 🌍 Our February newsletter goes out next ...
02/20/2026

Want to stay informed on what’s happening for LGBTIQ refugees around the world? 🌍

Our February newsletter goes out next week — and we’d love to have you on the list.

When you subscribe, you’ll receive:
• Updates on global policy and refugee rights
• Stories from LGBTIQ refugees and program participants
• Behind-the-scenes insights from ORAM’s work across regions
• Opportunities to take action and support the movement

If you’ve recently started following ORAM, this is the best way to stay connected.

Subscribe today so you don’t miss next week’s edition: https://oramrefugee.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3cb714804e4431352d4318c4c&id=5c9b305d69&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Franklin, a gay refugee from Honduras now living in Mexico City, shared:“ORAM is one of the very few organizations that ...
02/18/2026

Franklin, a gay refugee from Honduras now living in Mexico City, shared:

“ORAM is one of the very few organizations that has never shut the door in my face…with even a small contribution, you can change lives.”

For LGBTIQ refugees navigating displacement, safety and opportunity are never guaranteed. But access to safe housing, economic empowerment, and community can make all the difference.

Your gift to ORAM helps ensure that LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers in transit countries are met with open doors — not closed ones.

One of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact is by becoming a sustaining supporter. Monthly giving provides steady, reliable funding that allows ORAM to protect, empower, and advocate for LGBTIQ refugees throughout 2026 and beyond.

Make your gift today: https://give.oramrefugee.org/give/421898/ #!/donation/checkout

And learn more about Franklin’s journey on our blog: https://www.oramrefugee.org/post/a-true-friend-and-a-chance-to-begin-again

Last month, Anja Limon, ORAM’s Director of Programs, celebrated an incredible milestone — nine years with ORAM. 💙As ORAM...
02/13/2026

Last month, Anja Limon, ORAM’s Director of Programs, celebrated an incredible milestone — nine years with ORAM. 💙

As ORAM’s longest-serving staff member and a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, Anja has helped guide the growth and evolution of our programs, expanding support to reach hundreds of LGBTIQ refugees each year.

Her expertise, steady leadership, and deep commitment to refugee protection have strengthened ORAM’s work across regions and ensured that our programs remain responsive, impactful, and community-centered.

Swipe through to see a few moments from Anja’s journey over the past nine years — and join us in celebrating Anja in the comments! 🎉

ORAM is bringing our economic empowerment program — a core pillar of our work with LGBTIQ refugees — to Mexico City for ...
02/10/2026

ORAM is bringing our economic empowerment program — a core pillar of our work with LGBTIQ refugees — to Mexico City for the first time. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇲🇽

This pilot program was designed in three phases:
• Listening & diagnosis
• Capacity-building and entrepreneurship training
• Seed funding

We’re now in the final phase, and we’re proud to share that seven LGBTIQ refugee-owned businesses have received seed funding to help launch and grow their enterprises. 👏

Take a look at a few moments from the workshops — and stay tuned as we share more about these projects and the people behind them.

After six years of service, Perry Witkin and Rajiv Desai have concluded their final terms as members of ORAM’s Board of ...
02/06/2026

After six years of service, Perry Witkin and Rajiv Desai have concluded their final terms as members of ORAM’s Board of Directors.

During their tenure, Perry and Rajiv helped guide ORAM through a period of growth and transition, supporting the expansion of programs that protect and empower LGBTIQ refugees globally.

Based in Minnesota and Berlin, home to ORAM’s U.S. and Europe headquarters, they brought valuable perspectives to ORAM’s governance and strategic direction.

We are grateful for their time, care, and commitment to ORAM’s mission. Please join us in thanking Perry and Rajiv for their service.

ORAM closed out 2025 in Kakuma with a moment of pride and celebration as nearly a dozen LGBTIQ refugees graduated from a...
02/05/2026

ORAM closed out 2025 in Kakuma with a moment of pride and celebration as nearly a dozen LGBTIQ refugees graduated from a skills training course in hairdressing and beauty therapy. 🎓

After five months of dedication and hard work, each graduate received a certificate at the November ceremony — a meaningful step toward applying their skills and earning income within the camp and surrounding community.

One participant, who completed the course with high marks, was selected to speak on behalf of the class, delivering a powerful address that reflected the commitment and resilience of the group.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and wish them continued success as they build their futures. ❤️

Meet Dali (they/them) — a nonbinary human rights activist from Uganda.For Dali, leaving home was not a choice; it was a ...
02/03/2026

Meet Dali (they/them) — a nonbinary human rights activist from Uganda.

For Dali, leaving home was not a choice; it was a matter of survival.

“I left because of the situation that is happening in Uganda. I was working as a human rights activist with one of the leading transgender organizations fighting for transgender rights,” they shared.

With a visa to attend a conference — and the support of fellow human rights defenders — Dali reached Germany and sought asylum.

Less than a year into their life in Berlin, Dali has begun building a sense of community, in part through ORAM’s economic empowerment and community workshops.

“To be able to have a life and have space to share our experiences — like the drag makeup workshop — everyone was happy. For that moment, we forgot the issues we’re going through.”

Community, connection, and chosen family can be life-changing.

Read Dali’s full story in our new blog post: https://www.oramrefugee.org/post/finding-family-and-freedom

Last Friday, the Trump administration announced an unprecedented and dangerous expansion of the Global Gag Rule — a move...
01/29/2026

Last Friday, the Trump administration announced an unprecedented and dangerous expansion of the Global Gag Rule — a move that weaponizes U.S. foreign assistance and puts millions of lives at risk.

Historically, the Global Gag Rule restricted foreign organizations receiving U.S. funds from providing or even discussing abortion care. Now, for the first time, this policy has been greatly expanded and applies to all non-military U.S. foreign aid, including humanitarian assistance — and reaches U.S.-based NGOs, UN partners, and even other governments.

This expansion goes far beyond reproductive health. It:
• Silences organizations working to protect LGBTIQ rights.
• Bans funding efforts to advance gender equality and inclusion.
• Expands harmful abortion restrictions.

This expanded Global Gag Rule is unprecedented — and it will cause real harm to q***r refugees and the global LGBTIQ community more broadly.

ORAM condemns this unprecedented weaponization of foreign aid and joins calls from across the humanitarian and human rights sectors, urging Congress to oppose gag rules in all their forms.

As an organization with deep roots in Minneapolis and a community of staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters in...
01/26/2026

As an organization with deep roots in Minneapolis and a community of staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters in the area, ORAM stands with the people of Minnesota following recent acts of violence at the hands of federal immigration enforcement agents.

While ORAM’s programs are focused outside the United States, we unequivocally reject intimidation, harassment, and violence against communities everywhere — including refugees, asylum seekers and citizens alike — and we join voices across the humanitarian, labor, faith, and civil rights sectors calling for peaceful de-escalation, transparency, and an end to ICE occupation in Minnesota.

We honor the memory of those lost and stand in solidarity with all Minnesotans working toward justice, accountability, and community safety. Wherever you are, we encourage you to learn more about efforts to support affected communities and consider ways to stand in solidarity:

- Stand with Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
- Alight Supporting our Minnesota Community: https://www.wearealight.org/stories/supporting-our-minnesota-community

We’re grateful for Sarah and her dedication to ORAM as our Program Assistant in Kakuma Refugee Camp.With more than seven...
01/21/2026

We’re grateful for Sarah and her dedication to ORAM as our Program Assistant in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

With more than seven years of experience in livelihoods programming across humanitarian and development settings, Sarah brings deep expertise in resilience building, climate-smart agriculture, and livestock value chain improvement — strengthening ORAM’s work every day.

Her commitment to inclusive, sustainable solutions plays a vital role in protecting and empowering LGBTIQ refugees in Kakuma.

Thank you, Sarah, for the impact you make alongside the community.

✨ Last chance to make your impact in 2025 ✨Before the year ends, your support can help LGBTIQ refugees facing violence a...
12/31/2025

✨ Last chance to make your impact in 2025 ✨

Before the year ends, your support can help LGBTIQ refugees facing violence and displacement find safety, opportunity, and community.

Because of supporters like you:
💈 Emelda turned her passion for barbering into a small business — and now mentors others.
🌍 Omar found confidence and purpose after growing up in Kakuma Refugee Camp and continues supporting LGBTIQ refugees today.
💛 Franklin found healing, friendship, and hope through ORAM — and is building a future of independence.

These stories span continents, but they share one truth: your generosity makes hope possible.
🕛 There’s still time to give before midnight — and there are many ways to make your year-end gift count:
💳 Donate online (credit/debit, PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer)
📁 Give through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
📈 Donate appreciated stocks or securities
📬 Mail a check

ORAM is proud to have earned Candid’s 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, reflecting our commitment to accountability and impact.

👉 Learn more or make your year-end gift: https://give.oramrefugee.org/campaign/738304/donate

Address

1325 Quincy Street NE Ste A1
Minneapolis, MN
55413

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16126825044

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