Refugee Congress Celebrates Pride Month and Commits to Partnership and Solidarity with LGBTQI+ Displaced People

June 2023

WASHINGTON – Refugee Congress is proud to celebrate Pride Month. This month and throughout the year, we celebrate LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers in our communities in the U.S. and across the globe.

LBGTQI+ people are often, and increasingly, 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; even in countries without laws against homosexuality, LGBTQI+ individuals often face stigma, violence, and persecution from their communities. For these reasons, LGBTQI+ individuals may seek asylum or refugee status outside of their home countries.

According to the ACLU, a disturbing 63 bills have passed in the U.S. in 2023 alone that infringe upon LGBTQI+ rights. Another 271 are in progress. In countries like Uganda, who recently passed one of the harshest anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world, members of LGBTQI+ communities are at even greater risk of being forced to flee.

Everyone should have the right to be who they are and love who they love. Refugee Congress condemns discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals and welcomes those seeking refuge. We honor the resilience and strength of LGBTQI+ displaced people who have and are continuing to endure difficult journeys and trauma, simply for being who they are.

“As we celebrate and uplift our LGBTQI+ community members, we also recognize the increasing dangers that face LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers globally, where an increasing number of countries are shamefully criminalizing the LGBTQ+ community, and here in the U.S. where states are increasingly - and alarmingly - passing policies that infringe upon the freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals. We are proud to stand with and celebrate our LGBTQI+ neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues. It is time to step up our commitment to creating a more welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers to thrive,”  said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Refugee Congress Executive Director.

“As a former refugee, I understand the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Pride week is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and to advocate for their rights and equality. As someone who has experienced discrimination and marginalization, I know how important it is to stand up for those who are facing similar challenges. I believe that everyone deserves to live their lives authentically and without fear of discrimination or violence,” said Joseph Sackor, Honorary Delegate, Pennsylvania. 

“As a refugee, I truly admire and have learned so much from the LGBTQI+ community. Amidst the challenges that life, stereotypes, and ignorance present, this extraordinary community reminds us of the power of resilience, love, and solidarity. They challenge societal norms and stereotypes, shaping a future where diversity is cherished, celebrated, and understood as the cornerstone of a compassionate and inclusive society. Keep on loving on, and like my grandmother always tells me, "Siempre hacia adelante, atrás, ni siquiera para ganar Impulso." Translation: "Let's keep moving forward, backwards, never! Not even to gain momentum,” said Jessi Calzado Esponda, Refugee Congress Delegate for the District of Columbia.

Refugee Congress is committed 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.

LGBTQI+ displaced people can find assistance in connecting with affirming, safe providers and resources with this InReach platform, matching LGBTQI+ people with safe, verified resources. We also honor the many impactful organizations partnering with and serving LGBTQI+ asylums seekers and refugees.

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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people 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