LGBTQ refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people face discrimination worldwide, including barriers to employment, education, safe housing, legal status, and health care. HIAS helps LGBTQ refugees access their rights and rebuild their lives in dignity.
Ilia, a gay man originally from Russia, has been able to restart his life in safety in the U.S. In this original video, he recounts his ordeal, his escape from Russia, and how he has “learned to be free” in his new homeland.
Yusuf, a gay man from eastern Africa, endured years of isolation, abuse, and several close brushes with death because of his sexuality. But now, with the help of HIAS and its local resettlement partners, he's rebuilding his life in safety and dignity.
While LGBTQ outreach is not a core part of HIAS’ work, it is vitally important and has had a profound impact on many hundreds of LGBTQ refugees' lives.
In honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, three experts discuss the unique needs and vulnerabilities of this population, and how HIAS and our U.S. and international partners have stepped up to advocate for the human rights of our LGBTQ clients and provide lifesaving support.
“Creating these training materials was a three-year process, and the results reflect all that we learned along the way. I hope that anyone who works with refugees will consider using them to improve their outreach to survivors of SGBV,” Levitan said.
Henry started his business with just five hand-sewn tote bags made from pieces of traditional East African fabric. They were an instant hit, and he has been expanding ever since. Over the past 11 months, he has hired 20 LGBT refugees to do piece-work, cutting the fabric he uses to make his bags. By working from home, they stay safe and are still able to earn a living.