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International Journal of
Population Studies Recognition and protection of LGBTQI+ asylum

their territories. Another issue that falls under the broader German program and the literature (Zaun, 2017). As one
category of “stereotypes” is the persistent discrimination of the articles mentions, there are advantages in using
against LGBTQI+ individuals in the asylum system and local government creativity instead of a one-size-fits-all
their everyday lives. This fact highlights that many states approach to asylum (Lowndes & Polat, 2020).
have not yet extended their LGBTQI+ asylum policies Furthermore, the literature provides valuable
beyond the asylum context. It underscores the importance suggestions that programs can adopt to better address the
of developing policies to promote social inclusion, given needs of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees. These
that social issues, such as homophobia, transphobia, and suggestions are summarized and compiled below, with
xenophobia, remain prevalent in many European states similar ideas grouped into unified categories:
and must be therefore combated (Vasiljević, 2015). Long- (i). Providing basic LGBTQI+ asylum information in
term solutions, however, can only be found by addressing multiple languages and channels.
the root causes of migration in all forms (O’Nions, 2014). (ii). Offering support to NGOs working with
Based on the systematic literature review, it was LGBTQI+ asylum, including financial assistance,
observed that some LGBTQI+ asylum programs appear collaboration, capacity building, and connecting
to innovate in their approach, and these innovations were LGBTQI+ asylum seekers with relevant
not mentioned in the context of other countries in this organizations.
research. These innovative practices include the following: (iii). Collecting and publishing data on LGBTQI+ status
(i). Relocating perpetrators of homophobic and and including LGBTQI+ status in health surveys
transphobic behaviors to other reception facilities to create tailored health services for LGBTQI+
(Belgium). asylum seekers and refugees.
(ii). Using accessories with the rainbow flag and (iv). Being mindful of how Western stereotypes and
phrases like “queer refugees welcome” to enhance societal perceptions of sexuality and gender
confidence and trust (Germany). identity affect LGBTQI+ asylum.
(iii). Allocating a 20% higher renting allowance to (v). Improving specialized legal services.
asylum seekers and refugees with special protection (vi). Providing asylum seekers with a confidential,
needs (Germany). private, and appropriate interpretation service,
(iv). Offering the option to request a special interviewer allowing them to appoint their own interpreter
trained to conduct LGBTQI+ interviews paid by the state and allowing the change of such
(Germany). a person when the asylum seeker is not satisfied
(v). Allowing LGBTQI+ asylum seekers to collectively with them.
self-organize their housing facilities (Greece). (vii). Providing training and sensitization to those
(vi). Accepting self-identification as LGBTQI+ who provide services in the asylum system, not
(Portugal). only concerning LGBTQI+ experiences with
(vii). Promoting LGBTQI+ awareness among all parties discrimination, differences between gender
involved in asylum issues (Sweden). identity and sexual orientation, history, and
(viii). Employing migrants to work on gender and terminologies but also LGBTQI+ cross-cultural
LGBTQI+ issues with the wider community knowledge.
(Turkey). (viii). Advocating for EASO to promote training,
(ix). Creating and maintaining a secret shelter for guidelines, and good practices on addressing
LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees (Turkey). LGBTQI+ asylum, ensuring domestic authorities
(x). Discouraging the use of stereotypes in determining follow a consistent LGBTQI+ asylum policy, and
credibility in asylum claims (UK). recognizing and not reproducing colonial and
imperialistic narratives in the asylum system.
While the initiatives mentioned above are often (ix). Placing LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in a category
attributed to the states directly, some are actually developed with special reception needs, acknowledging the
in the local and provincial contexts only. For example, the discrimination and violence they may face, and
20% higher rent allowance is specific to Berlin, Germany, calling on EU member states to include in their
and the employment of asylum seekers and refugees, as domestic legislation the definition of social groups
well as the creation of a secret shelter, is carried out in Şişli, and LGBTQI+ individuals explicitly.
Turkey. Local, municipal, and provincial governments (x). Providing tailored health services for trans
are usually competent to deal with certain aspects of individuals, including hormonal therapy; ensuring
asylum law, as noted by the Program Director of the LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees are

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 108 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.0871