Our History
Hive was co-founded by three friends living around the world, each of whom had spent years helping refugees reach safety from a variety of countries. Over time, they recognized a critical gap. While many LGBTQ+ individuals were able to escape immediate danger and even secure resettlement approval, they often lacked the financial and organizational support needed during the long, uncertain period between relative safety and true freedom in their adopted countries.
When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, that gap became impossible to ignore. It gave the three friends a clear focus and an urgent mission. At that moment, Hive was born.
The co-founders decided to call their fledgling volunteer collective Hive because they were like a team of busy worker bees, collaborating for the collective good. Like a bee hive, we are strongest when working together. And the honey? It symbolizes the sweetness of life, the hope and joy that come when someone finally finds safety, dignity and a true home.
Since 2021, the Hive has grown from the three co-founders to include volunteer hives in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver with plans of expanding into other Canadian cities.
While waiting for resettlement, LGBTQ+ refugees are in a serious danger, as they:
Since August of 2021, this small volunteer collective, with its years of experience and global connections, has brought more than 60 people out of Afghanistan, supported them in countries along the way, and partnered to ensure their freedom in Canada, one of the few nations prioritizing LGBTQ+ refugees. With your support, Hive can save even more lives.
