Jess Bell: My experience as an ORAM Intern

It was the spring semester, and I was looking desperately for internship opportunities. At the time, I had no idea what direction I wanted to take my career, sending in application after application regardless of the company. Through that process, I discovered the Communications, Development, and Administration Internship position at ORAM. The description caught my attention, “ORAM protects and empowers LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees globally, creating sustainability and systemic change.”

Pictured: Utilizing my graphic design skills to introduce myself to the ORAM community.

Four months later, I can confidently say this is exactly what my experience at ORAM entailed. I joined ORAM at the beginning of Pride month and was immediately immersed in the work they do. I worked with Katie Miller, ORAM’s previous Communications and Development Coordinator, to create our Pride 2022 campaign, consisting of interviews with the LGBTIQ refugees we have served. This campaign opened my eyes to the experiences of sexual and gender minorities. I heard stories of kidnapping, homelessness, struggles with mental health, and the desperation to flee countries that persecute and criminalize members of the LGBTIQ community. Despite this, many of the refugees who told their stories to us seemed hopeful about their future. I had the opportunity to learn how ORAM supports refugees, narrated by the individuals themselves.

Pictured: A graphic I created to announce the success of our longer-term housing program in Berlin.

As June faded into July, I learned more about ORAM’s Ukraine response. After Russia attacked Ukraine, ORAM began providing short-term and longer-term housing to displaced LGBTIQ Ukrainians in Berlin. Through managing our social media accounts, I was able to follow the progress of our housing programs. This kept me updated about ORAM’s work, and I have witnessed first-hand the expansion of our longer-term housing program. My awareness of the situation in Ukraine has grown as I have seen the situation through the lens of displaced LGBTIQ Ukrainians.

As my time at ORAM comes to an end, I feel proud of the work I accomplished and the mission I contributed to. I have learned how to be a better advocate for LGBTIQ refugees and found a passion for global work. Although I am unsure of where my journey will take me, I credit ORAM for further educating me on the importance of empowering and protecting LGBTIQ refugees. Thank you, ORAM, for the work you do, and the lessons I have learned.