What is COCktail:

COCktail intends to end the isolation of lgbti+ refugees and asylum seekers. We want to introduce lgbti+ persons to the Dutch society and the lgbti+ community in particular. Of course this happens in a fun and safe way.

We want to help improving the social climate for and the safety of lgbti+ newcomers and migrants in the Netherlands. lgbti+ persons are often discriminated in large parts of the world. In some countries they are imprisoned or even sentenced to death. Sometimes fleeing their own country is the only option.

lgbti+ persons have to leave their family and friends behind for an uncertain future in a foreign country. In addition, the sexual orientation of lgbti+ refugees is often not accepted or tolerated by their fellow newcomers in the refugee centers, just like in their country of origin. This can lead to severe forms of violence, isolation, and feelings of anxiety, or depression.