Ohonba, ‘Critical Primary-Source Literature Review on the Mental Health factors of the LGBQ Asylum Claim’, 2017

Esosa Ohonba, ‘Critical Primary-Source Literature Review on the Mental Health factors of the LGBQ Asylum Claim’, Global Health Special Topics Spring 2017

Abstract

The academic literature on the mental health challenges of LGBTQ-identifying refugees are very limited. This is due to the relative size of this subpopulation and the great stigma regarding mental health as a whole in both Canada and the United States. But both the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) and Refugee populations in both countries have been researched extensively and the high mental illness burden in both populations is well documented. This lack of research in this target population may have left a potential epidemic of PTSD and depression within an extremely vulnerable subgroup untouched. Migration Policy and LGBTQ Advocacy non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within the U.S. and Canada have tried to address this lack of data through analyses and briefings on the legal issues of processing asylum claims based on sexuality; the source and variety of mental illnesses LGBQ Asylum seekers can face; and, researched best practices and advice for adjudicators, interviewers, and mental health care practitioners. This literature review seeks to synthesize the available primary-source data provided by deeply involved and well-informed NGOs in lieu of academic research to prompt further analysis into these critical issues. The organizations analyzed include: Rainbow Health Ontario, Forced Migration Review, Immigration Equality, the Migration Policy Institute, EGale, along with Laurie Berg and her research team.