Announcement
What Pride Means for LGBTQI+ Refugees
Following the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969—a series of riots in response to police raids on a popular New York City gay bar called the Stonewall Inn—the gay rights movement launched in the United States and around the world.
Today, we celebrate Pride month every June to honor the sacrifices of the activists before us and to recognize the progress made in advancing the rights of queer people everywhere, especially those who’ve been forcibly displaced.
Why is LGBTQI+ Pride Month important?
Despite progress made over recent decades, queer people still face prejudice all over the world. For example, it's still illegal to be LGBTQI+ in 64 UN member states.
Queer refugees fleeing persecution are especially vulnerable to discrimination. Even in countries with relatively greater legal protections against discrimination, like the United States, LGBTQI+ people–especially trans women–still face oppression. Reports from immigration detention centers show trans women are subjected to mistreatment, neglect and abuse.
An IRC study of the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, revealed that violence from family members can drive many LGBTQI+ people to leave their homes.
Once displaced, LGBTQI+ people may have trouble obtaining social services and stable employment. Fears of being ‘outed,’ with possible violence toward their family if their identity becomes public, may prevent them from requesting formal services, such as healthcare, food aid or housing support.
How the IRC in Atlanta supports LGBTQI+ refugees
In addition to programs and services offered to all of our clients, the IRC in Atlanta connects queer refugees and asylees with Tent's professional mentorship program for LGBTQI+ individuals, as well as their programs for forcibly displaced women and Afghan nationals.
Participants are paired with a mentor from one of more than 30 partnering companies. Over the course of a year, mentors and mentees work together on a range of professional development activities, such as resume writing, practicing interviews, and developing networking skills.
The deadline to apply for the next mentorship class is Friday, June 30— visit tent.org or email [email protected] to learn more!
#Y'allMeansALL
The IRC in Atlanta is proud to support LGBTQI+ communities from around the world. We stand to make ALL refugees and asylum seekers welcome in our Georgia community.
To learn more about issues faced by LGBTQI+ refugees and immigrants, follow the organizations below:
Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project
To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.
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