“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” - Marsha P Johnson
Around 2,000 LGBTQIA+ people claim asylum in the UK each year, after overcoming unimaginable challenges and risks of persecution in their home countries, as well as danger on their journeys to the UK. However, only 1 in 4 people who apply for asylum on the basis of their sexuality are granted refugee status.
With the UK’s current ‘hostile environment’ towards refugees and asylum seekers, and with the Nationality and Borders Bill looming, it’s becoming even harder for LGBTQIA+ refugees to claim asylum and live in the UK.
LGBTQIA+ people pursuing asylum are required to disclose their sexuality and/or gender identity immediately on arrival—and are also required to provide evidence at the beginning of this process—a factor which many LGBTQIA+ people may be uncomfortable with.
Many people fleeing persecution are unaware that they can be given protection on account of their sexuality and/or gender identity; they may also feel shame and fear about talking about this, and so often apply for asylum long after arriving in the country, which makes their claims less credible in the eyes of the UK Government.
You can’t choose where you are born. You can’t choose who you love. You can’t choose the body that you’re born in to. Everyone should be able to live and love in safety.
This Pride, support LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers with essential items and services through purchasing our LGBTQIA+ Support item. Store link in bio.
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