Queer(y)ing Asylum

In this episode of Queer(y)ing Asylum, we sit down with Mariano Ruiz, President of Derechos Humanos y Diversidad Asociación Civil, to explore the crucial role Argentina plays in welcoming LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum.

Since its launch in February 2023, Mariano’s organisation has offered essential services including immigration advice, healthcare access, psychological support, and more, all within a safe space for LGBTIQ+ individuals.

In this enlightening conversation, Mariano discusses the challenges his organisation and the country face, such as limited resources, and the impact of being part of the Regional Network for LGBTIQ+ Human Mobility LAC. He also shares insights on Argentina’s role as a safe haven for LGBTIQ+ individuals, highlighting both the advantages and the hurdles of resettlement in the Global South.

Don’t miss this episode to learn how community-based organisations contribute to effective refugee resettlement and support. To connect with Mariano and learn more about his impactful work, visit his LinkedIn profile.

Tune in now and join the conversation on bridging horizons for LGBTIQ+ refugees!

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Queer(y)ing Asylum podcast where host Diego Garcia engages with Jamel Buhari, a researcher from the University of Leiden, who explores the intersection of queer identity and the asylum process in the Netherlands.

Jamel discusses his work with archival materials and oral history, and delves into the challenges faced by queer African refugees and people seeking asylum in the Dutch context, including the impact of media and political narratives in shaping public perceptions.

Learn more about Jamel and his research at University of Leiden.

Also, don’t miss the upcoming Second Edition of the Queer(y)ing Asylum Symposium on 8 November at the University of East London. This in-person event promises to offer critical interdisciplinary dialogue, innovative research, and a platform for sharing best practices on LGBTIQ+ asylum issues. Secure your place and find out more about the event here.

In this episode of The Queer(y)ing Asylum Podcast, we delve into the complex and often perilous experiences of trans migrants with our fantastic guest, Alexandra Rodriguez. Alexandra is a gender and sexuality freelance consultant with lived experience of crossing the Mexico-US border, a published author, and a tireless advocate for the human rights of transgender people. Her work spans across Mexico, Spain, and the United States, focusing on trans migrants, trans sex workers, trans elderly, and trans individuals living with HIV.

During our conversation, Alexandra shares her personal journey and the insights she has gained from her advocacy work. We discuss the challenges that trans migrants and people seeking asylum continue to face with a focus on the Mexico-US border. With this, we aim to emphasise the importance of creating safe, regular migration routes to protect vulnerable populations.

We also touch on the upcoming presidential elections in both the USA and Mexico, considering how new leadership might affect migration policies. Alexandra provides an overview of the support services available for queer people seeking asylum after crossing the border, and shares her experiences with these resources.

She also speaks about her book Crucé la Frontera en Tacones (I Crossed the Border in High Heels), which can be purchased online using ⁠this link⁠. The book is her personal testimony, recounting her escape from Mexico across the United States border, where she had to build a new life from scratch. She discusses how she had to assimilate multiple identities, learning that racism, transphobia, exploitation, stereotypes, and violence are everyday realities for undocumented trans people living between both countries. Alexandra's compelling narrative provides a profound insight into the struggles and resilience of trans migrants.

Join us for this enlightening and essential discussion.

Please note, this episode discusses sensitive topics, including rape and suicide. If you are affected by these issues or find them distressing, please consider this trigger warning before continuing.

In this episode, we delve into the experiences of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey with our amazing guest, Artemis Akbary. Artemis is not only the Founder and Executive Director of the Afghan LGBT Organisation (ALO), but also an esteemed refugee rights advocate and journalist, who himself sought asylum in two different countries. He is also the Producer and Presenter at Radio Ranginkaman, a media platform for Iranian, Afghan and Tajik LGBTQI communities. The station broadcasts programs on digital platforms but also on shortwave radio and via satellite to reach people in rural areas, especially in Iran and Afghanistan, where the internet is restricted or not accessible. Artemis's advocacy extends to high-level settings, including speaking engagements at the EU Parliament and the United Nations.

Throughout our discussion, we examine Artemis's personal journey of seeking asylum in Iran and Turkey, with a particular focus on the latter. We explore the specific challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers in Turkey, including barriers to healthcare, employment, education, and the widespread issue of discrimination. Artemis also sheds light on the vital efforts of his organisation, the Afghan LGBT Organisation, which provides crucial support to those in need.

Listeners interested in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding LGBTIQ+ refugee experiences in Turkey, as well as the plight of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Afghanistan, are encouraged to explore Artemis's extensive advocacy work. Visit Artemis Akbary's profile⁠ to dive deeper into his work, activism, and contributions to the field.

En este episodio, exploramos el trabajo conjunto de Cristina Yépez Arroyo y Flavio Carrera Verdesoto, expertos en las intersecciones entre género, sexualidad y asilo en contextos de migración y criminalización en Ecuador y el espacio latinoamericano.

Flavio Carrera Verdesoto es investigador asociado del Instituto de Estudios Avanzados en Desigualdades (IEAD - USFQ). Tiene un Master of Science en Antropología y Desarrollo por The London School OF Economics and Political Science (LSE) y una licenciatura en Relaciones Internacionales y Ciencia Política de la Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ. Ha trabajado como investigador, consultor, asesor y coordinar de proyectos para varias organizaciones de cooperación, desarrollo e investigación a nivel nacional y regional. Su trabajo de investigación se centra en la intersección entre género, sexualidades, decolonialidad y alternativas del desarrollo en el Ecuador y el Sur Global. Ha publicado su trabajo en diversos espacios y formatos, que incluyen artículos académicos, libros y capítulos de libros, así como artículos de difusión y materiales educativos, tanto en inglés como en español.

El episodio aborda temas críticos como el derecho al trabajo, resaltando cómo la pandemia ha exacerbado los desafíos preexistentes para obtener empleo digno y cómo la ausencia de protección estatal aumenta la violencia y limita el acceso a derechos. Juntxs, examinamos la importancia de las redes de apoyo, evidenciando cómo los desafíos enfrentados por las personas LGBTIQ+ refugiadas afectan no solo a individuos, sino también a sus familias y redes de cuidado, tanto dentro de Ecuador como más allá de sus fronteras.

La discusión se extiende a los impactos diferenciados de la corrupción como forma de violencia, mostrando cómo facilita la violencia estructural y la revictimización de la población LGBTIQ+, especialmente entre migrantes y refugiadxs. Además, el episodio destaca el fortalecimiento de capacidades para investigadores LGBTIQ+, promoviendo la producción de conocimiento situado y el diálogo entre la academia y el activismo, centrado en las experiencias de quienes defienden los derechos LGBTIQ+ en América Latina.

Este episodio no solo brinda una mirada profunda a los desafíos a los que se enfrenta la comunidad LGBTIQ+ migrante y refugiada en Ecuador, sino que también celebra la resiliencia y solidaridad dentro de estas comunidades, subrayando la necesidad de apoyo, comprensión y acción colectiva.

In this compelling episode, we discuss the experiences of LGBTIQ+ refugees in Denmark and Germany with our brilliant guest, Rieke Schröder, a third-year PhD candidate at Aalborg University, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Rieke shares profound insights from her research, focusing on the challenges and temporalities faced by LGBTIQ+ refugees beyond the asylum regime in these countries.

Throughout the conversation, we uncover the complexities of legislation in Denmark, such as the 'paradigm shift' towards short residence permits and policies geared towards 'self-sufficiency and repatriation'. These policies create uncertain futures for queer refugees, emphasising the importance of secure, long-term support and the creation of inclusive environments. Rieke's research also highlights personal narratives that bring to light the diverse experiences within the queer refugee community, showcasing the resilience and determination of individuals navigating these challenges.

Moreover, the episode delves into the critical role of activism, community support, and the need for an intersectional approach in addressing the unique needs of queer refugees. Rieke's advocacy for more solidaric contexts and the necessity for specialised support structures provide valuable insights into the steps needed to foster a more inclusive society for LGBTIQ+ refugees.

Listeners interested in learning more about Rieke's research and the intricacies of LGBTIQ+ refugee experiences in Denmark and Germany are encouraged to explore her work for a deeper understanding of these critical issues. Visit Rieke Schröder's profile to dive deeper into her research and contributions to the field.

In this insightful episode, we explore the intricate issues surrounding asylum in Lebanon. We speak with experts Jasmin Lilian Diab and Bechara Samneh, who provide an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted challenges encountered by LGBTIQ+ refugees.

Lebanon, as highlighted in the episode, is at the forefront of the global refugee crisis, hosting the highest number of refugees per capita and per square kilometre globally, including 1.5 million Syrian refugees and over 11,645 refugees of other nationalities. As the ⁠Tahrir Institute explains⁠, the country has neither ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees nor the 1967 Additional Protocol. In addition, Lebanon has only one domestic law pertaining to asylum that falls short of due process standards, leading to its disregard among refugee advocates. Adding to these challenges is the informal relationship between the government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which allows Lebanon to make unilateral changes affecting refugees. Our guest experts discuss the myriad obstacles refugees face, such as restricted access to residency, healthcare, and employment, which further exacerbate their poverty and vulnerability.

A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the precarious position of LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers, who navigate additional layers of stigma and discrimination. The lack of a national asylum procedure categorises refugees as irregular migrants, placing the onus on the state to manage irregular migration with policies that often overlook the specific needs of the LGBTIQ+ community. Jasmin and Bechara's research underscores the absence of support systems for these individuals and the barriers they face in accessing sexual and reproductive health rights.

The episode also teases forthcoming research aimed at shedding light on the experiences of queer internally displaced persons from South Lebanon, underlining the urgent need for more in-depth studies to better understand and support LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum not only in Lebanon but across the broader region.

Listeners interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed are encouraged to read recent articles recommended by the guests, including “⁠Gender Identity as a Barrier to Accessing Adequate and Inclusive Healthcare for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon's Northern Regions⁠” and “⁠Sex, health and rights in displacement and humanitarian response: crises upon crises in Lebanon and beyond⁠,” which further explore the intersection of gender identity, healthcare accessibility, and the compounding crises affecting vulnerable populations in Lebanon.

For those wishing to explore the expert's work further, visit their profiles clicking on their names here: ⁠Jasmin⁠ and ⁠Bechara⁠.

This episode is presented in Spanish. Why not take this opportunity to learn a new language?

René es investigadore en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y trabaja en Oram, una asociación dedicada al apoyo de persones LGBTIQ+ y refugiades. Su trabajo de investigación aborda las intersecciones críticas entre migración, género, sexualidad y religión en el contexto mexicano.

La investigación de René proporciona valiosas perspectivas sobre las complejidades que enfrentan las personas LGBTIQ+ en su búsqueda de seguridad y aceptación. Al estudiar las interacciones entre migración, identidad de género, sexualidad y creencias religiosas, René contribuye a un entendimiento más profundo de las necesidades y los retos específicos de esta comunidad en el contexto mexicano.

¿Cómo puedo aprender más sobre el trabajo de René y Oram?

Para quienes deseen profundizar en la investigación de Rene y conocer más sobre las iniciativas de Oram, pueden contactarle directamente en [email protected] o visitar el sitio web de Oram en https://www.oramrefugee.org/. Aquí encontrarán recursos, investigaciones y formas de apoyar a la comunidad LGBTIQ+ refugiada.

¿Por qué debería escuchar este episodio?

In today's episode, we are honored to welcome Layla as we delve into the intricate and often daunting asylum process. Layla shares her firsthand experience, focusing on the critical stages of the screening and the substantive interview. These are pivotal moments for people seeking asylum, where they must navigate complex procedures and articulate their need for protection compellingly and coherently.

Layla's insights shed light on the challenges faced during these interviews, including the mental and emotional preparation required to confront questions about identity, trauma, and the journey that led them to seek asylum. Her story is a call to action for greater support and understanding for people seeking asylum worldwide.

We also discuss the vital importance of mental health support for those undergoing this strenuous process, especially considering the trauma many have endured. Layla's perspective offers a critical look at the areas where improvements are desperately needed.

If you wish to make a difference, consider supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Your donation can help provide essential services and support to those in need. Visit https://donate.unrwa.org/-landing-page/en_EN to contribute and learn more about how you can help.

Thank you for tuning in to explore the screening and substantive interview process with Layla. Your engagement and support are crucial in bringing these important stories to the forefront and driving positive change.

Today’s theme will be exploring the emergence of LGBTIQ+ CSOs and NGOs created by LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum themselves by focusing on the founding of Spectrum Rainbow, an NGO by and for LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum. I’m Diego Garcia, and in this episode, we'll dive into how this organisation came to be, its impact, and what it represents for the community.

Joining us is Jason Thomas-Fournillier, the founder of Spectrum Rainbow Community. Thanks also to Tamsin Williams, our 'Term of the Week' collaborator.

Visit Spectrum Rainbow Community's website here: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fspectrumrainbowcom.wixsite.com%2Fspectrumrainbowcommu&h=AT02dg139nnpbevbxdOlZtzn45qb_EkHDl5T621gYIB-CZhZERAeEeZVU33KbS_E-qxqevhebxwBEGeA0zVWzpYBo7RXosmiA4CdTqvyFVfH4VJfP3IYN-jlhcNZxDWzGCpW6-tR9ObGw9XlLHYTyTckvzo