Rationale:

LGBT Refugees and those seeking asylum face heightened risks. Even once they have fled, they remain especially vulnerable to discrimination and abuse from host countries and from within their refugee communities. Research commissioned on behalf of LGBT organisation BeLonG To and conducted by Quality Matters (2016) illustrates the complexities often faced by Asylum Seekers/Refugees in Ireland.  The project found that 71% of service users had suffered from depression or other diagnosed mental health issues including suicidal ideation or self-harm. Of further concern, 31% had not received any legal advice, and of those that did, 19% reported that the advice did not specifically address issues related to sexual orientation or gender status. 

Respondents to research conducted by the NFX, found similarly concerning findings, with 54% feeling excluded from Irish society, and 40& having experience of homophobic abuse (Noone, 2018).

These Irish reports have also highlighted key issues mirrored in international research: that of intersectional marginality (Chossière, 2021; Akachar, 2015) or the lack of international consistency (Spijkerboer 2017). Internationally, national organisations have called for state-level best practice (ARDHIS, 2023). For many, the intersection of LGBT identities with that of their seeking asylum or refugee status can cause debilitating isolation. This is often coupled with lack of understanding regarding SOGI (= sexual orientation and gender identity) matters, including invasive interview techniques during asylum processes, and a culture of disbelief amongst government authorities in countries of asylum (Human Rights First, 2010).

About us

DCU promotes and develops a culture of equality and inclusion through a range of different ventures. As a University of Sanctuary, various initiatives are staged to enhance the participation of Asylum Seekers and Refugees across campus life. 

 The Irish Refugee Integration Network (IRIN) and Expressions, Research, orientations: Sexuality Studies (EROSS@DCU) are offering this new course. 

Following on from the success of the DCU 2021 LGBT Refugee & Asylum Conference, the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), IRIN and EROSS are now offering an exciting new course addressing the social and health needs of LGBT Asylum seekers and refugees. A series of ten participatory workshops will address queer migrant seclusion through information signposting and the facilitation of peer engagement. The course will promote capacities for the empowerment of LGBT+ displaced persons, covering social, societal and personal aspects of the intersectional issues commonly facing LGBT migrant populations. Participants will be left with enhanced knowledge and capacity to access social and community services. 

The course is free of charge and designed for adult participants. The number of places are limited to 15. While we understand that because of external circumstances a commitment to attend all five workshops may be difficult, we do ask potential participants to commit to attending the five days. 

Course Content

The course will be participatory in nature. While some didactic presentations will be made, group facilitation will be the prevailing technique which will be used to steer the timetable, which will be delivered adhering to best community development practice. This will allow participants to share and learn from one another, in addition to the content offered.