Pullen and Tschalaer, ‘Written evidence from Bournemouth University to the Women and Equalities Committee call for evidence into Equality and the UK asylum process’, 2021
- Category: Other
- Source: Academic
- Subject: Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Gender Identity, Refugee/Asylum, LGBT+
- Place: United Kingdom
- Year: 2021
- File: Submission of evidence to Parliament - Understanding LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer) Refugees and Asylum
- URL: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/40741/pdf/
Christopher Pullen and Mengia Tschalaer, ‘Written evidence from Bournemouth University to the Women and Equalities Committee call for evidence into Equality and the UK asylum process’, November 2021
Abstract
Evidence is based on the data gathered from a research project funded by the British Academy entitled: ‘Understanding LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer) Refugees’ and Asylum Seekers’ Support Needs through Listening to Autobiographical Storytelling’ which took place between April 2020 and July 2021. The team conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with three LGBTQ asylum claimants and nine managers of regional NGO service providers to asylum claimants. In May 2021, the research team organized an invitation-only community-based online workshop, with participation from 13 representatives of well-known LGBTQ support groups working across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The workshop explored challenges that LGBTQ asylum claimants face regarding legal
support, housing, mental health, and the ‘hostile environment’.
There are three key areas that we have addressed:
a) – ‘advocacy and policy’ – the current policies in place are not fit for purpose in protecting or caring for LGBTQI+ asylum claimants, while NGOs are currently doing good work, better understanding their
needs.
b) – ‘training and mentoring’ – officials working in the asylum system need training regards the nuances and diversity of LGBTQI+ asylum claimants, and mentoring schemes organised by NGOs, such as
Sahir House, offer good evidence of work in this area,
c) – ‘emergency support and housing’ – LGBTQI+ asylum claimants experience very poor service overall, when being offered housing in the UK, and only some specialised NGOs like Micro Rainbow offer a service that is fit for purpose. There are many obstacles that inhibit the ability for LGBTQI+ asylum claimants to gain access to emergency support, such as medical care.