LGBTIQ+ Refugees
Nobody should have to flee their home because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is how we protect LGBTIQ+ refugees.
In many societies, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTIQ+) people face discrimination, persecution and violence on a daily basis. This often leaves LGBTIQ+ people with no choice but to seek asylum elsewhere. Others are paralysed by fear, suffer in silence and attempt to hide their sexual orientation or gender identities in an effort to avoid danger, further compounding their vulnerability. In recent decades, the number of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers has risen, with most qualifying as ‘members of a particular social group’ under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Even when they have sought asylum, some LGBTIQ+ refugees are still not safe, as host countries may welcome refugees, but discriminate against LGBTIQ+ people.
Meet the Mexican friar providing a safe haven for LGBTIQ+ refugees
UNHCR training sessions delivered to communities to help respond to needs of LGBTIQ+ people
How You Can Help
UNHCR works to protect LGBTIQ+ refugees in a number of ways. UNHCR trains staff to be aware of the particular challenges facing LGBTIQ+ refugees and will make every effort to create a safe environment in registration facilities, in camps and settlements so that LGBTIQ+ refugees can identify themselves and seek help.
UNHCR also creates safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ identifying people to seek help and socialize, helps LGBTIQ+ refugees access medical and psycho-social support and where possible, will seek to resettle LGBTIQ+ refugees to a third country where they are able to live safely with their true identity.
Funds are urgently needed in order for UNHCR to continue delivering these programs in many other communities around the world. Your support will help us actively identify LGBTIQ+ refugees and displaced people and connect them with the help they need.
You can also learn more about UNHCR’s work to protect LGBTIQ+ refugees in our Global Report “Protecting Persons with Diverse Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities“.
“We are normal people who are living here. But we are different than the other people because we had some problems – that’s why we are refugees.”
Help us protect and support LGBTIQ+ refugees
LGBTIQ+ refugees fleeing discrimination and violence need essential services and safe spaces to access support. Your monthly donation helps fund critical programs and resources to help them.
UNHCR’s Protection Objectives for LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers
LGBTIQ+ persons are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, discrimination and exploitation from the very onset of an emergency, while in transit, and once they arrive in countries of asylum.
UNHCR works to protect LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers everywhere and has set a number of protection objectives.
With your support, we can continue this vital work and assist LGBTIQ+ refugees.
LGBTIQ+ refugees in Canada speak out on their journey to safety and proudly show who they are in the photo exhibition "Am I Wrong to Love?"
A photograph of Nouran Hussein, 23, Egypt
“In Guatemala the police were as bad as the gangs because I am transgender. The police would not protect me. Here in Mexico I feel respected and safe and thankful for the support from UNHCR.”
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