LGTBI Refugees Are At Risk Because Nobody Asks The Right Questions

LGTBI refugees are a vulnerable group within another vulnerable group. Even when they manage to escape war or violence from their home countries, they never feel safe. They don't know who to trust with being open about their sexual orientation. They fear they will put themselves at risk again.

Theoretically, under EU law, people persecuted in their home countries due to sexual orientation or gender identity can obtain refugee status and potentially asylum. However, this investigation by IRIN shows that European governments are often failing to protect them.

A volunteer from the UK raises an important point. Officials don't ask about sexuality or gender unless the asylum seeker brings up the topic. In Finland, France, or Sweden, they are not even allowed to ask, as it is considered a personal intrusion.

So, basically, if someone is in danger due to their sexuality or gender identity, and he/she is afraid to talk about it, and nobody asks about it ... this person never gets the help he/she needs.

Even finding a place to stay while they wait for asylum can be a problem. Official institutions are not doing much about it either, although there are more and more LGBTI organizations setting up shelters or safe living spaces for these groups.