About Us
The Rainbow Tree
Rooted in Culture, Growing in Pride
The Rainbow Tree is a UK-based grassroots organisation dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals of Bangladeshi and South Asian heritage. We provide safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for queer people across the UK and globally—whether navigating identity, seeking asylum, or simply searching for belonging. We are more than a community—we are a family. A family grounded in shared heritage, strengthened by resilience, and united by the belief that every individual deserves to live with dignity, authenticity, and pride.
Our Core Values
Our Team
Mazharul (Maz) Islam
Founder & Chair, The Rainbow Tree
Mazharul Islam is a Bangladeshi LGBTQIA+ activist, community organiser, and artist. He is the Founder and Chair of The Rainbow Tree, a grassroots organisation supporting British–Bangladeshi, Bangladeshi, and South Asian LGBTQIA+ individuals through culturally responsive care, creative programming, asylum advocacy, and community organising.
Mazharul’s activism began in Bangladesh, where he faced persecution for his work and was forced into exile in 2016 following the targeted killings of close friends in queer activism. Since resettling in the UK, he has transformed his lived experience into a powerful platform for justice, healing and solidarity.
Under his leadership, The Rainbow Tree has pioneered:
- Safe spaces and peer-led support
- Interfaith queer dialogue
- Asylum and migration advocacy
- Public protest and creative expression initiatives
Mazharul has been recognised with the Attitude Pride Award (2018) and featured in major media outlets including UK Vogue, Gay Times, Stonewall and ITV. He is a contributor to acclaimed queer anthologies:
- We Can Do Better Than This Edited by Amelia Abraham and published by Penguin Publication.
- United Queerdoom and Queer Footprints by Dan Glass (featured in the companion project)
He is a sought-after speaker and storyteller, having delivered talks and workshops at universities, public institutions, and grassroots organisations, including the BBC, Tower Hamlets Council, West Minister Council and ACT UP London.
Mazharul has previously served as a Trustee of African Rainbow Family and a Patron of ReportOUT, Management board member of Boys of Bangladesh (First Bangladeshi LGBT organisation), and continues to collaborate with queer and human rights coalitions across the UK. Through The Rainbow Tree, he remains committed to building safe, creative, and justice-driven spaces for queer communities across borders. He is an artist too he gives life to his sadness, pain, loneliness and dark emotion though his paintings. His artwork has been exhibited in Bangladesh, Nepal and Japan.
Dr. Rifat Sabbir
Treasurer
Dr Rifat Sabbir, a medical doctor originally from Bangladesh, holds a postgraduate qualification in Public Health from the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. For over 15 years, he has been actively engaged in promoting sexual health and safety awareness within the LGBTQIA+ community, both in Bangladesh and the UK. He has played a pivotal role in various LGBTQIA+ community groups, where he has co-organised and facilitated numerous sexual health awareness sessions and health camps.
Dr Sabbir currently serves as the Treasurer of The Rainbow Tree, where he oversees the organisation’s financial management while also contributing to initiatives that raise awareness of sexual health, safety, and vaccination among diverse Bangladeshi and British-Bangladeshi LGBTQIA+ communities.
Nabith Anjum (Nahiyan)
Secretary
Nabith Anjum (Nahiyan), an LGBTQ+ activist based in Manchester, currently serves as the Secretary of The Rainbow Tree. He holds an MSc in Digital Marketing from the University of Huddersfield and brings his expertise in communication and outreach to strengthen the organisation’s mission of creating inclusive, safe, and empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
With a strong passion for community building and representation, Nahiyan has been actively engaged in organising awareness campaigns, networking events, and support initiatives for the Bangladeshi and British-Bangladeshi LGBTQ+ community. In Manchester, he plays a key role in maintaining connections with diverse groups and allies, ensuring that voices within the community are both heard and amplified.
As Secretary of The Rainbow Tree, Nahiyan oversees organisational coordination and communication, while also contributing to projects that challenge stigma, celebrate diversity, and empower LGBTQ+ lives. Through his activism and leadership, he continues to foster a supportive environment where individuals can thrive with dignity, acceptance, and pride.
🌈 The Rainbow Tree Membership
Why Become a Member?
By becoming a member, you support this important work — and also become part of a caring, culturally rooted queer community.
Join Us Today!
At The Rainbow Tree, community is everything. Your £20/year membership helps fund campaigns, support asylum seekers, run creative arts spaces, and hold joyful community gatherings.
For just £20 a year, you’ll receive event discounts, early booking, peer support opportunities, a welcome pack, and a voice in our future direction.
Join us today and let’s grow stronger, together — one year, one £20, many voices.
Premium Membership
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Discounted or free entry to events & workshops
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Exclusive members-only events and socials
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Priority booking for limited‑space events
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Members‑only newsletter with insider updates
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Voting rights on priorities, programmes, and governance
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Peer support and mentor matching opportunities
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Access to curated resources & referrals
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One-to-one asylum information and support session
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Mental health support from a professional in the Bangla language
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Small welcome Goodies
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Contribution to a subsidy fund for those in need
Support The Rainbow Tree
Having even one supportive adult can make a life-changing difference for LGBTQ+ young people, helping to reduce the risk of suicide and isolation. The Rainbow Tree is here to be that source of care, connection, and hope—24/7. Your donation ensures we can continue providing a safe space, trusted guidance, and life-saving support to LGBTQ+ youth. Together, we can nurture brighter, stronger futures.
