Deaf Rainbow UK

Deaf Rainbow UK is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting, representing, and informing Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Recognising the “double minority” status of its members, the organisation works to remove communication barriers and ensure that queer Deaf individuals have equal access to information, community, and support.

The charity is for anyone who identifies as Deaf or Hard of Hearing and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their families, allies, and professionals working in these sectors. They focus on creating a world where Deaf LGBTQIA+ people can live authentically, using British Sign Language (BSL) as a primary tool for connection and empowerment.

Their services are built around three core pillars: Informing, Representing, and Supporting. They provide essential online resources—often in BSL—on topics such as “coming out,” parenting pathways, and mental health. A significant achievement is their collaboration with UCL’s DCAL research centre to develop over 80 specific BSL signs for LGBTQIA+ terminology, ensuring the community has the language to describe their own identities. They also partner with organisations like SignHealth to provide accessible information on sensitive issues like domestic abuse.

Through workshops, presence at Pride events, and dedicated social networking, Deaf Rainbow UK fosters a sense of belonging. They act as a vital bridge between the mainstream LGBTQ+ community and the Deaf world, advocating for better accessibility (such as BSL interpreters at events) and educating the public on the unique intersectional challenges faced by their members.

UK Charity Number: 1192323

Categories

• National LGBTQ+ Charities

Regions

• Nottingham

Location