The Problem

In a time when there are more displaced people than ever before... LGBTQI people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm.

Insights into Refuge America's work:

LGBTQI+ individuals seeking assistance from Refuge America face poverty and lack of access to basic necessities, with at least 1 in 2 individuals reporting unmet basic needs or homelessness as top health and welfare concerns.
So-called 'conversion therapy' remains prevalent, and Refuge America continues to assist individuals around the world subjected to this practice while advocating for policies that protect LGBTQI+ people from it.
Sexual violence is a key tactic of persecution, occurring in every region across every gender identity, with 15% of individuals who reported any safety concerns also reporting sexual violence. Gender non-conforming individuals, transgender women, and cisgender women reported the highest prevalence of experiencing sexual violence.
The mental health needs of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers are increasing, with many reporting epidemic levels of mental health concerns.
HIV/AIDS is still a key concern for LGBTQI+ people, with HIV-positive status ranking in the top five health concerns for cisgender men and genderfluid individuals, and individuals facing difficulties accessing or refilling their medications due to COVID-19 public health protection measures.

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