Asylum seekers and refugees support

LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees

In 2020, 72 countries still criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people for who they are and love. From violence to death penalty, LGBT+ people face real persecutions from the state and their communities. As a result, many are forced to flee their families and homes to seek refuge from hate and discrimination.

We believe that all asylum seekers and refugees should be treated with dignity and compassion. We believe that this compassion should be extended to LGBT+ people who seek asylum. Efforts to help asylum seekers and refugees need to be informed by the unique needs of LGBT+ people.

Support designed for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees

At LGBT Health and Wellbeing, LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees can access a variety of confidential and free support where LGBT+ identities are respected, affirmed, and celebrated.

Individual support

You might not be sure how we can help but we can give you the space to figure out what support is best for you. Whether you need emotional, legal, or practical support, we can talk you through all the options available to you.

Social support

Online social events and groups are a great way to find connection and community at a time when you might feel lonely and isolated. We offer social spaces where you can make friends and showcase your talent, including community groups led and facilitated by artists, poets, motivational speakers, DJ’s, and musicians from a refugee background.

Practical support

It’s important to know your rights and where to find support when you need it. We host information sessions where we cover a range of topics and issues relevant to asylum seekers and refugees, in partnership with different community organisations.

Digital support

If you need we can provide mobile phones and data top-ups to help you get by and keep in touch online. We also have a What’s App support group that you can join to connect with other local LGBT asylum seekers and refugees and find out about our social groups and events.

For all our rainbow community

We welcome all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) asylum seekers and refugees from different walks of life, including nonbinary, queer, intersex and asexual people (LGBTQIA+). No matter what stage you are at in your asylum or refugee journey, we welcome you.