From 20 -26 June we will celebrate Refugee Week with the theme of 'Unity'.
“In 2019 there were 70 countries that criminalized consensual same-sex sexual acts and death penalty was a possibility in 11.” – Forcibly Displaced People’s Network (FDPN)
We need to welcome and support people who seek asylum on the basis of their sexuality, bodily diversity and/or gender identity. People who are seeking support as an LGBTIQ+ person with an experience of forced displacement may also be vulnerable to xenophobia in LGBTIQ+ services (http://tinadixson.com.au/cedaw-lgbti-refugee-women/) and queerphobia in refugee settlement services. People whose identities sit at this intersection are facing a specific and complex set of support needs and it is important to understand how we can best support people in our communities. It is also important to always remember that LGBTIQ+ people who have an experience of forced displacement are diverse, and have a variety of different experiences, abilities and cultures and need to receive support that incorporates and respects their intersectionality.
To show your solidarity with LGBTIQ+ refugees, sign on to the Canberra Statement on the access to safety and justice for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. It is the first in the world statement created by LGBTIQ+ refugees to enact change around the world.
What can we do to celebrate Refugee Week
Why not host a morning tea or lunch and screen our webinar – feeling safe finding safety.
Webinar: Feeling Safe, Finding Safety
10am, Wed 23 June 2021.
Feeling Safe Finding Safety – Conversations around being LGBTIQ+, seeking asylum and how we can ensure people are safe and feel safe. We will be talking with experts on how we can provide the best kind of support for LGBTIQ+ people who have been forcibly displaced. Our conversations are about sharing stories on challenges and successes in service provision and looking forward, how can we do better?
Other refugee week events: https://action.refugeecouncil.org.au/rw_events
More resources: