No safe refuge for LGBT asylum seekers

by Beatrice Credi - 2016.10.31

LGBT asylum seekers experience shocking levels of abuse in the UK system. New research from leading LGBT charity Stonewall and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group has found that people escaping homophobia and transphobia abroad are subjected to further abuse when they are placed in detention centers. Detainees who are known to be LGBT are bullied, harassed, or even physically attacked by others – and say they are not protected by detention center staff. Many others say they felt they have to hide their sexuality to avoid abuse. “It felt like I was betrayed because if somebody seeks asylum, they’re just trying to get some protection – but then you’re detaining them,” one Ugandan refugee said. “It’s like you’re putting them in prison for having come to you for help. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 22 LGBT asylum seekers and this report is the first of its kind to provide evidence of the unique experiences of LGBT people in detention. Participants in the study originated from 11 different countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Russia.