States considering such claims need to look beyond Kosovo's apparently progressive constitution to the rather different reality on the ground.

It can be challenging for all asylum seekers to demonstrate that they are at risk of persecution but perhaps even more so for transgender applicants.

Evaluations of whether LGB asylum claimants have a well-founded fear of persecution frequently require Country of Origin Information but information on LGB populations in countries where being LGB is criminalised is often difficult to obtain.

Two recent successful claims for asylum suggest that the Republic of Korea may be prepared to serve in the future as an important country of asylum for those suffering persecution due to their sexual orientation.

Resources for those representing asylum claims on grounds of sexual orientation.

In recent years, there have been significant legal advances in the treatment of the cases of lesbian and gay asylum seekers in the UK. However, significant barriers still remain.

Many aspects of the UK asylum process can be confusing, disempowering and traumatic for lesbian asylum seekers. Recent research examines the impacts of this process on their experiences, their identity and their well-being.

The UK government used to have no specific guidance or training for decision-makers for claims brought on the grounds of sexual orientation. It was only in 2010 that specific policy guidance was speedily issued and significant progress was seen.

The amended version of the EU Qualification Directive, adopted in 2011, marks further progress in ensuring LGBTI applicant' rights by explicitly adding gender identity alongside sexual orientation as a cause of persecution.

Public policies in defence and in favour of LGBT people are neither sufficient nor effective in reducing homophobic violence in Brazil.