About Us
We equip leaders from marginalized communities to create lasting, community-driven solutions. By resourcing these leaders, we transform systems and advance equity, making marginalized communities the drivers of change, not just beneficiaries.
Our vision
We envision a world where individuals from marginalized communities, including LGBTQI+ people, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced populations, are not only recognized as leaders but are entrusted with shaping the systems, institutions, and cultures that define our shared future. A world where leadership is reimagined, rooted in lived experience, resilience, community wisdom, and collective care, and where those closest to injustice hold pivotal roles of influence at every level of society. We aspire to a global community defined by dignity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, where diverse voices are not just amplified, but centered. In this world, marginalized communities are not seen as beneficiaries of change, but as architects of it, driving solutions, transforming systems, and modeling new ways of organizing human society.
We believe that when leaders from marginalized communities are fully resourced, trusted, and elevated, they bring transformative approaches to leadership grounded in empathy, adaptability, and interdependence that have the power to reshape our world into one that works for everyone. Our vision is a world where LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers, and marginalized populations have the space, resources, and opportunities to grow, lead, and create lasting social change thriving within inclusive communities and influencing systems across borders. A world where equity is realized, dignity is upheld, and leadership reflects the full diversity, brilliance, and potential of humanity.
Our approach
SafePlace International identifies, equips, and resources leaders from marginalized communities to build community-led systems of care and resilience. Our real-time aid doesn’t just meet immediate needs; it continuously informs and shapes the long-term community infrastructure being built, allowing immediate relief and sustainable systems to grow together.
Our model integrates:
Community Infrastructure
Safehouses, emergency response networks, food assistance systems, and grassroots community support structures.
Leadership Development
The Dream Academy leadership pipeline equips emerging leaders with training, mentorship, and long-term community support.
Direct Resourcing
Micro-grants, project funding, stipends, and rapid-response support are deployed directly to grassroots leaders.
Community Ecosystem Building
The Global Families Initiative (GFI) strengthens long-term belonging, peer support, and cross-border community infrastructure that reduces isolation and increases collective resilience. Unlike traditional models that separate emergency relief from long-term systems building, SPI integrates both simultaneously.
Our Network
Our origins
Hear from SafePlace's founder, Justin Hilton, and learn more about the SafePlace International's origins, story and worldwide impact.
meet the team
Meet the dedicated team and board members leading our efforts to support and empower the LGBTQ community. Together, they bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to creating lasting change.
in the news
Stay updated with the latest stories, achievements, and media coverage of our work advancing LGBTQ rights and inclusion.
our partners
The work we do wouldn't be possible without the generosity and support of our partners who are allies to our cause. Together, we're able to build our programs promoting safety and opportunity across the world.
