GETTY The EU has launched language classes for gay and transgender migrants

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Here gay and transgender migrants can be themselves Semiramis Ceylan-Ahlborn

The courses allow migrants “to be themselves” while learning new languages, according to one of the staff members at the first course in Berlin. The move was made after a number of migrants were bullied at classes and “even outside their homes”, according to social work Caroline Winkler. She said: “Some people appear at the [centre] who feel bullied. Now we can work quite differently.

“We can hand out our flyers in refugee accommodations and reach our target group in concrete terms. “Many would not know that there is such a course offer. Even though the information policy is part of the problem. Another staff member said gay and transgender migrants needed assistance to live freely in Germany.

GETTY The classes allow gay and transgender migrants to "be themselves"

Semiramis Ceylan-Ahlborn said: “Here they can be themselves. “For trans- and homosexual refugees, it is sometimes risky to take a flyer, they might draw attention. “And they often hide their sexuality. They think they can live in peace in Germany, and then they realise that it is not true."

GETTY Germany has opened its doors to migrants and is the only country so far trialling the new classes

The migrants attending the language classes originated in Syria, Iraq, Russia and two African countries, according to Ms Winkler. The course is being largely funded by the European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. It was launched as Denmark announced new rules ensuring migrants lose their benefits if their children do not learn the language of their new home.

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The government will enact a legislation where if the authorities decide a child needs language stimulation and the child is not being sent to preschool, their child benefits will be withdrawn. The law received cross-party support when it was discussed in parliament.