Annual reports Annual Report 2025
Programs and community support
This section covers QARAVAN’s programs in 2025: how many sessions we held in each program area, our support programs, and what participants told us.
Program sessions in 2025
| Program area | Sessions |
|---|---|
| Support groups, mental health | 29 |
| Arts and culture | 20 |
| Community and social | 19 |
| Parties and nightlife | 14 |
| Workshops and info sessions | 11 |
| Legal information and social service referrals | 9 |
| Pride and advocacy | 7 |
| Total (approximate) | 109 |
Approximate recorded sessions by program area, 109 in total. March (19 gatherings) and October (14) were our busiest months. Counts reflect event records and public announcements.
Following the federal policy changes in late January, we made immigration support a priority, with know-your-rights sessions, consultations with attorneys, and deportation preparedness. QARAVAN does not provide legal services and has no lawyers; it refers members to attorneys and writes letters of support.
Peer mental health and support for trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) members
Bilingual peer groups with Regina (Gina) Rafikova and Simon Shterenberg, clinician-led therapy, and health navigation with Alex Trifonov.
Ten therapy sessions took place in February to April. The February to June anti-violence program for TGNC members held 26 group sessions for 23 people and made 13 referrals to legal, housing, and health services. Therapy paused in August to October and resumed on November 16.
Rainbow Connections
About 100 people took part in fiscal year 2025 (July 2024 to June 2025). Newcomers met with volunteers for six months of English practice, companionship, and orientation.
By September 2025, 25–30 pairs and group activities had reached over 60 people. Venues included Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), Kane Street Synagogue, Pier 57, and Central Park. Volunteers also trained in emotional support, cultural sensitivity, and burnout prevention.
Gatherings and online support
QARAVAN held gatherings at CBST with tea, board games, and guest speakers. We also distributed clothing and personal care supplies.
Members used QARAVAN Connects, our Telegram community, to seek help and stay in touch. From August to October, we published 18 Instagram posts and received 108 direct inquiries through Instagram and other online channels.
Women’s initiatives and community circles
We held the Female Queer Perspectives exhibition in March. A women’s group also met separately.
About 20 members from Central Asia, most from Uzbekistan, with others from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, formed their own circle in 2025. They kept in touch daily and celebrated a birthday together. Many were not ready to be visible or join larger gatherings.
What participants said
“Thank you so much for the support and the advice, it means a lot to me. I feel that I am not alone, and that gives me strength.”
“Sometimes it is so important to hear kind words in a moment of despair. If anyone wants to know what questions they asked at the interview, I would be glad to share and help others.”
“I want to thank the people who have helped me and my husband, the world needs more people like you.”
“Walking through Central Park with the little frog I knitted, saying a huge thank-you for a wonderful workshop. Already waiting for the next one.”
“Thank you for organizing the picnic, I was so glad to see old friends and meet new ones!”