A recent report has highlighted significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in the UK, particularly issues of unsafe accommodation and inadequate translation services. Asylum seekers reported incidents where interpreters refused to translate terms such as “gay” and “bisexual,” expressed homophobic or transphobic sentiments, and displayed a lack of understanding regarding sexual diversity. Given that only the asylum seeker and interpreter understand the conversation, these issues often go unnoticed.
Housing for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers is provided on a no-choice basis, frequently in shared accommodation with limited security measures. Incidents of harassment and abuse were reported, including doors lacking locks and residents being subjected to unwanted advances or threats. Victor Iringere, an asylum seeker from Nigeria, recounted his experiences of harassment and the lack of action from authorities to address his complaints.
LGBTQ+ migrants face a dual pressure of needing to prove their identity for asylum claims while concealing it to avoid abuse. The Home Office does not keep specific statistics on LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the problem. Many respondents expressed fear and a lack of safety in their living conditions.
Recommendations from the report include improving safe housing options and reducing the proof burden for asylum claims. A call for a specially trained team to handle LGBTQ+ asylum claims in a trauma-informed manner was made, alongside better provision of services to support this vulnerable group.
The report urges the establishment of policies that cater specifically to the needs of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, though political discussions on this matter remain limited. The Home Office has been contacted for comment on these findings.