LGBT

We provide direct support to people at every stage of the international protection process from a diverse range of backgrounds, each person presenting with complex issues and particular needs. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people seeking international protection face a significant gap in protection and fulfillment of their basic needs, both throughout the international protection decision making process and in the context of reception conditions, including: 

• Lack of early identification of LGBT applicant’s special needs and early access to tailored medical advice, counselling services, social support and legal advice sensitive to their LGBT elements of their claim 
• Credibility assessment of asylum cases based on sexual orientation or gender identity 
• Isolation within Direct Provision accommodation with limited access to key services and social supports 
• Experience of bullying and sexual harassment towards LGBT people living in Direct Provision accommodation from other residents 

We work to support LGBT people seeking asylum to overcome and address these specific challenges through both individual case work and our policy and advocacy activities such as our Identity Peer Support Group. We continue to advocate for improved conditions for LGBT people seeking asylum in Ireland and for their full inclusion within Irish society. 

Inclusion

We made a submission to highlight some areas of concern that should be incorporated into the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy if the strategy is to be genuinely inclusive of all members of the LGBTI+ community in Ireland, read more below. 

For more information on our policy and advocacy work with LGBT persons seeking protection in Ireland, please get in touch with our Information & Advocacy Service at: [email protected]

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