LGBTQI+ forced migrants seeking asylum in the UK face dangerous living conditions, homophobic abuse from Home Office contractors and sexual harassment, a new study reveals.
The Queer SEREDA report details that, for people trying to escape their home country because of violence and discrimination due to their sexuality or gender identity, the danger does not end when they reach the UK.
Published on the 26 June 2024, the study has been led by researchers at the University of Birmingham with support from Rainbow Migration.
Pip McKnight, Research and Impact Fellow “Through interviews with asylum seekers and service providers, we have discovered numerous dangers and abuses faced by LGBTQI+ people in the UK asylum system. These range from assault in asylum’ accommodation to homophobic language being directed at them by interpreters in Home Office interviews and court hearings. It is ironic that as we celebrate Pride month, many queer LGBTQI+ are not safe in the UK due to Government-imposed systems.”
You can download the full report.