- Conference
- 2024 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 18 July 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that in recent years, a significant number of individuals who have arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) seeking asylum have found themselves effectively blocked from gaining refugee status due to their method of entry. Among these individuals, there are many from the LGBT+ community who have fled persecution and violence in their home countries. Despite the circumstances of their arrival, these people deserve the opportunity to have their asylum claims fairly assessed.
The current situation leaves them in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability, exacerbating the hardships they face. It is essential that we advocate for a humane and just approach to asylum applications, ensuring that the most marginalised members of our community receive the protection and support they need.
Those who identify as bi+ can face additional negative attitudes when seeking refugee status, based on the assumption they can deny their true identity in order to remain in their country of origin. Asexual and aromantic people have no legal protections at all.
This simplistic and uneducated view of bi+ people must change.
We therefore call upon the national LGBT+ committee to work with Labour Link to;
1)Encourage engagement with the UK Labour government to request they resume the processing of asylum applications for individuals who have arrived in the UK illegally, thereby ensuring their claims are given fair consideration.
2)Acknowledge the unique vulnerabilities faced by all LGBT+ asylum seekers and commit to promoting appropriate support and safeguarding during the asylum process.
3)Work towards a more compassionate and just asylum system that prioritises the rights and well-being of those seeking refuge, regardless of their method of entry.
4)Promote understanding of the specific issues faced by asylum seekers in relation to sexual orientation and/or gender identity, with a focus on the nuances of bi+ identities.