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Health and Mental Health Support

Health and Mental Health Support

Upcoming events

About the program

Moving because of persecution is hard, and being an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker adds more layers.

What we do

A peer support group for LGBTQ+ immigrants in the US, held in Russian: a safe place to talk about language barriers, culture shock, the immigration system and hope.

Our impact

In 2025 we held 29 support group and mental health sessions.

“I came to the group to find people with similar experiences and got much more: a real sense of mutual support. After every meeting I feel I’m not alone with my problems. Hard times are much easier to get through when the people around you understand you. I recommend the group to every LGBTQ+ immigrant who has just arrived and is facing loneliness and the difficulties of settling in.”

Maria, member of QARAVAN’s Peer Support Group

“For a long time I looked for a place where people would understand me without long explanations. In the group I found not only support but a warm, accepting community. Here I can talk about what matters to me and be sure I’ll be heard and not judged. Every meeting helps me feel stronger and calmer. I recommend the group to every LGBTQ+ immigrant who wants to find understanding, support and real people nearby.”

Victoria, member of QARAVAN’s Peer Support Group

“I always wanted to find a group of people I could simply talk to openly about my worries and feelings. I found that support group, and I’m glad I met such wonderful people! Every time we talk at the meetings, I feel I’m not alone in my feelings and that there are others who feel the same. Every time after talking with them I feel alive and happier. I understand that sometimes just an open conversation can make you happy, and you can say kind words to another person and they light up like a little flame and fill with happiness too! I’m very glad to be part of the group, to see new people and to support each other, and I can say: come to our group, you are not alone.”

Gleb, member of QARAVAN’s Peer Support Group