HAPPY PRIDE!
We should all feel safe to be who we are, and love who we love, without fear of punishment or discrimination.
Pride month is a time to celebrate diversity, as well as discuss important issues that LGBTIQ+ communities face.
LGBTIQ+ refugees are especially vulnerable to persecution when fleeing countries that still criminalise citizens for being who they are. Currently there are 71 countries where being LGBTIQ+ is illegal and can result in long prison sentences or even worse, death sentences.
As an organisation that supports refugees into employment opportunities, including LGBTIQ+ refugees, we strongly believe that your identity should not be a hindrance to employment or education opportunities. We should all feel safe to be who we are, and love who we love, without fear of punishment or discrimination.
That’s why we are proud to champion the rights of LGBTIQ+ refugees alongside amazing organisations such as Human Dignity Trust, which uses the law to defend the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people globally.
Other organisations include the International Rescue Committee. Follow this link to find their dedicated LGBTIQ+ refugee information and stories on the challenges they face in their own countries as well as countries where they find asylum. We recommend reading Lincy Sopall’s story, which is empowering and should encourage refugees who identify as LGBTIQ+ to be themselves and not shy away from who they are.
If you, or someone you know, would like support, visit the Stonewall site. There are details of organisations that are doing incredible work to support lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace people in the UK.