Refugee Congress Celebrates Pride Month & Raises Awareness of Issues Impacting LGBTQIA+ Displaced People
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2022
WASHINGTON–Refugee Congress is proud to celebrate Pride Month. This month and throughout the year, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ members in the refugee community and in the larger American and worldwide communities.
“LGBTQIA+ refugees remain some of the most vulnerable amidst a historically growing number of forcibly displaced people,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Refugee Congress Executive Director. “While Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors, it is also a time to step up our commitment to protecting them. We absolutely must do more to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to thrive.”
LBGTQIA+ people are often subject to violence, discrimination, persecution and abuse because of their sexuality and/or gender identity. Homosexuality and/or homosexual conduct are criminalized in more than 75 countries, including 13 countries where punishment can include the death penalty. Even in countries without laws against homosexuality, LGBTQIA+ individuals often face stigma, violence and persecution from their communities. For these reasons, LGBTQIA+ individuals may seek asylum or refugee status outside of their home countries.
Everyone should have the right to be who they are and love who they love. Refugee Congress condemns discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals and welcomes those seeking refuge. We honor the resilience and strength of LGBTQIA+ displaced people who have and are continuing to endure difficult journeys and trauma, simply for being who they are.
“As we celebrate how far we have come in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality during Pride month, there are still many countries around the world where being who you are can subject you to discrimination and persecution. It is time to restore our country's position as a global leader for equality and send a strong signal to the world that our doors are open to all who seek a better life for themselves and their families,” said Hans How, Refugee Congress Delegate for Northern California.
Policies harmful to all displaced people may particularly negatively impact LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants. The inhumane “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 policies place all asylum-seekers in danger and create a particular risk for LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers.
LGBTQIA+ displaced people can find assistance in connecting with affirming, safe providers and resources with this InReach platform, matching LGBTQIA+ people with safe, verified resources.
As we continue to celebrate the presence and value of LGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities and around the world this month, we also commit to continuing to raise awareness of the injustices, violence and persecution many face, as well as the ongoing need to end dangerous and discriminatory asylum policies and build safer, more equitable processes for refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
