Fleeing for Identity: The Plight of LGBTQI+ Refugees and the Welcome Corps Initiative

The journey of fleeing one’s homeland is riddled with adversity for all individuals. But for those who identify as LGBTQI+, escaping persecution rooted in their sexual orientation or their gender identity/expression adds an extra layer of vulnerability. The myriad significant challenges confronting LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide, compelling them to seek refuge, and the multifaceted issues they encounter in resettlement countries are manifold. However, the United States government’s Welcome Corps program stands as a beacon of hope for many in such circumstances.

A World of Persecution

Globally, nearly 70 countries criminalize same-sex relations, with some imposing the death penalty. This legal landscape fosters a climate of violence, discrimination, and social exclusion, forcing many LGBTQI+ individuals to flee their homes in search of safety and acceptance. In Chechnya, for instance, documented cases of torture and imprisonment of gay men highlight the brutal reality faced by many. Even in countries where same-sex relations are legal, societal prejudice and lack of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships and gender identity can lead to social isolation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare, education, and employment.

Many young LGBTQI+ Africans, for example, flee due to a confluence of issues. Underlying political and economic instability is compounded by violently homophobic environments and laws criminalizing their existence. Recent legislation in Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and other countries considering a similar path further marginalizes the community, leading to an increased number of queer people seeking refuge. Those who choose to stay and fight for their rights are daily hounded, discriminated against, and targeted by state and non-state actors.

Double Jeopardy: The Challenges of Resettlement

While escaping persecution is essential, resettlement presents its own set of challenges for LGBTQI+ refugees. Historically, members of LGBTQI+ communities who have been able to get into the United States often used the asylum process as a means to access immediate resettlement after fleeing hostile environments. However, despite many of its benefits, navigating the asylum process can be daunting, particularly due to the complex legal frameworks and the burden of proof of persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Unlike refugees fleeing conflict or natural disasters, they often lack the traditional forms of “proof” of danger typically expected, such as documentation of arrest or physical harm. Additionally, cultural and linguistic barriers, coupled with potential discrimination within refugee communities and the receiving society, further complicate integration.

Limited access to culturally competent healthcare, including mental health support, and the lack of a sufficient social safety net further complicate resettlement. Many LGBTQI+ refugees grapple with the trauma of past experiences, often compounded by the anxieties of resettlement. They may have faced rejection from their families, violence from their communities, and limited access to mental health support in their home countries. These experiences can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), further hindering their ability to integrate and rebuild their lives.

Beyond Legal Status: The Social Dimension of Resettlement

Beyond addressing the immediate challenges of legal status and basic needs, fostering a sense of belonging and social inclusion is crucial for the long-term well-being of LGBTQI+ refugees. Feeling safe to express one’s authentic self and having access to supportive social networks are fundamental aspects of successful integration. However, many traditional refugee resettlement programs fall short in this aspect.

The US Welcome Corps: A Beacon of Hope

The United States’ innovative Welcome Corps program, launched in 2022, harnesses the power of community sponsorship to support refugee resettlement. Groups of individuals can directly sponsor refugees, providing vital financial and social assistance during their initial integration. In its first year, the State Department aimed to mobilize 10,000 Americans as private sponsors, welcoming at least 5,000 refugees.

However, identifying LGBTQI+ individuals within the system has proven challenging due to security concerns and confidentiality policies. Despite these hurdles, Rainbow Railroad, a leading civil society partner working with the government on this program, reports LGBTQI+ refugees are beginning to be resettled through the Welcome Corp program. They, along with the Council for Global Equality (CGE) and other partners, have proposed solutions to address these identification challenges. Moreover, the program’s second “naming” phase empowers private sponsor groups to identify LGBTQI+ refugees for referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, while also supporting those the government has already identified.

The Welcome Corps program holds immense potential for LGBTQI+ refugees, offering a more personalized and culturally sensitive approach to resettlement as compared to traditional models. Sponsors can provide vital support in navigating language barriers, accessing healthcare, and integrating into local communities. This is essential, because many LGBTQI+ people fleeing persecution often leave all they know and loved ones behind before moving to a country where they have no connection or sometimes even no knowledge of its people, culture, and way of life. Competently trained sponsors through the Welcome Corps program play a beneficial role in ensuring that LGBTQI+ refugees who come through the program have the right knowledge and tools for a safe landing and integration into their new home and for the proper rebuilding of their lives.

Recently, the Washington Blade reported on a gay refugee from El Salvador who found resettlement in the Washington, D.C. area through this program. Escaping an environment steeped in extreme and violent homophobia, he left his familial and social ties behind, seeking assistance through a local organization, where he became acquainted with the Welcome Corps program. Upon his arrival in D.C., he was warmly embraced by a cohort of sponsors with whom he was matched through the program. They provided him with essential resources to facilitate his settlement and commence the process of rebuilding his life. CGE’s own Ian Lekus, one of the program hosts for another refugee from Latin America arriving this month, encapsulated their dedication with the statement, “Our group has been working for many months to help an LGBTQI+ refugee restart their life in safety and dignity, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome them to D.C. in April to do just that.” This successful kickoff of the program holds promise.

For organizations like CGE, Rainbow Railroad, and HIAS that are collaborating with the U.S. government to ensure the Welcome Corps program’s effective implementation, the arrival and seamless integration of LGBTQI+ refugees underscore the significance of community-driven approaches to intricate challenges. The Welcome Corps program also exemplifies the power of government action coupled with community support.  Many within the LGBTQI+ community have volunteered their time and resources, and this collective action is vital for the program’s success. As the program grows, more volunteers, resources, and organizations will be needed for sustainability.

The Global Landscape: A Call for Collective Action

Many in the LGBTQI+ community have come forward to show their support for the Welcome Corps program, and in some instances, volunteered their time and resources to help refugees coming through the program. This kind of collective action and community support is very necessary for the success of this program. As the program is technically still in its early days, groups are expecting an increasing number of LGBTQI+ refugees who will be coming through the program and needing help resettling. That means that many more volunteers, groups, resources, and organizations will be needed to carry this program forward to ensure sustainability. You can learn more and to sign up to sponsor a refugee through the Welcome Corps site here. (To specifically sponsor an LGBTQI+ refugee in the United States through Rainbow Railroad, visit this site; for sponsoring an LGBTQI+ refugee in Canada via Rainbow Railroad, click here.)

Moreover, while the Welcome Corps program presents promise, long-term diplomacy and development holds the key to resolving the refugee crisis, particularly considering that not all persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals can flee their circumstances or even want to leave their nations of origin. A concerted and inclusive global strategy is imperative to tackle the underlying causes of persecution and advocate for international protective measures. This entails:

• Advocacy for the global decriminalization of same-sex relationships: Engaging in international diplomacy and fostering dialogue with countries that criminalize LGBTQI+ individuals is crucial. This can involve utilizing international forums and leveraging multilateral channels to advocate for the repeal of discriminatory laws and the upholding of basic human rights for all.
• Supporting local LGBTQI+ organizations in countries of origin: Providing resources and support to LGBTQI+ organizations in countries where individuals face persecution can empower them to advocate for their rights, provide safe spaces, and offer crucial support services to those most vulnerable and in need of support to flee.
• Promoting cultural understanding and combating discrimination: Engaging in public education campaigns and fostering dialogue within refugee communities and broader society can play a significant role in dismantling discriminatory attitudes and promoting understanding and acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals.

The journey of fleeing as a refugee for LGBTQI+ individuals is a complex and often perilous one. While the Welcome Corps program already shows signs of success and signifies a positive step towards offering support and fostering a sense of belonging in the United States, a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the global challenges faced by the community. By combining innovative resettlement programs with robust advocacy efforts and fostering a climate of global acceptance, we can work towards a world where individuals can live authentically and free from persecution, regardless of their sexual orientation or their gender identity/expression, either in their home of birth or chosen country without the need to become a refugee.

(photos courtesy of Rainbow Railroad)