All Are Welcome supports LGBTQ refugees who have fled countries where it is illegal, and often lethal, to be gay. Now they are free to live and love as themselves in Michigan.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has fled their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
LGBTQ refugees are frequently victims of discrimination, isolation, violence and abuse along the way to a safe third country.
Mid-Michigan has a long history of welcoming refugees from all around the world. Lansing has recently been designated a welcoming community for LGBTQ refugees.
All Are Welcome is a network of LGBTQ friends and allies providing basic needs, teaching life skills and building community
for our LGBTQ newcomers to not just survive, but thrive.
What organizations work with refugees in Lansing?
All Are Welcome works with LGBTQ refugees to provide life skills training and to build a sense of community.
Global Institute of Lansing provides educational services to adult refugees enabling them to earn a high school diploma in an atmosphere of peace, respect, encouragement, and inspiration.
Refugee Development Center cultivates a welcoming, thriving community that collaborates with refugees and newcomers through education, engagement, and support.
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program at Samaritas serves youth who flee from war, violence or persecution by placing them in foster homes to provide the family environment that is ideal for young people.
St. Vincent Catholic Charities is the designated refugee resettlement agency for adults and families in mid-Michigan. Through a federal government program, they assist with the basic essentials to welcome refugees to the Lansing community and help them reach self-sufficiency.
Watch No Place for Me, a moving documentary about the LGBTQ refugee experience:
For more information about refugee resettlement in mid-Michigan visit
