The term refugee refers to a person who has been displaced from their home due to war, famine, persecution or hostile political regimes. Unlike economic migrants that leave their homes and countries to seek a better life, refugees are forced to leave, for staying would likely result in imprisonment or loss of life. The definition of a refugee and status were defined at the 1951 Refugee Convention and within the 1967 Protocol. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
TAKE PRIDE IN BEING YOU
You should never be told or feel that being different is wrong. It does not matter if you are straight, gay, or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. You are you, especially when it is who you are and something you are powerless to change. The Pride in Series is designed to help everyone take pride in; however, they choose to identify, even if that is traditional and cis-gendered identities. Learn more about the various sexualities, gender identities and special groups and let us all be proud of who we are
DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE AVALIABLE
Want to go offline and take some time to learn more about the various identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ community? In addition to the online Gayther Pride in Series, you can now download and print the collection. Downloadable PDFs designed to help you discover more about the various unique sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. The colourful and informative guides help you understand more with fun and engaging information and also include games and interactive content
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything."
The term refugee refers to a person who has been displaced from their home due to war, famine, persecution or hostile political regimes. Unlike economic migrants that leave their homes and countries to seek a better life, refugees are forced to leave, for staying would likely result in imprisonment or loss of life. The definition of a refugee and status were defined at the 1951 Refugee Convention and within the 1967 Protocol. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries.” To seek asylum relates to requesting citizenship from another country on the grounds of being displaced or holding refugee status. To be granted asylum is where citizenship within the requested country has been given.
From an LGBTQIA+ perspective, currently, 71 countries still have laws in place which criminalise same-sex relationships, and 13 countries impose the death penalty if prosecuted. LGBTQIA+ individuals at risk of imprisonment or death can request asylum due to sexual or gender persecution. In 2021, it was estimated that there would be over 79.5 million refugees worldwide.
SUMMARY
From an LGBTQIA+ perspective, currently, 71 countries still have laws in place which criminalise same-sex relationships, and 13 countries impose the death penalty if prosecuted. LGBTQIA+ individuals at risk of imprisonment or death can request asylum due to sexual or gender persecution. In 2021, it was estimated that there would be over 79.5 million refugees worldwide.
SUMMARY
- Forced to leave their homes or countries
- Remaining or returning to their homes would likely result in imprisonment or loss of life
- Asylum is the process whereby a refugee obtains citizenship from another safer or less hostile country
- According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), over 79.5 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes, with about 33% under the age of 18
- The number of LGBTQIA+ individuals claiming asylum is not officially recorded or published; however, according to the UNHCR, they have seen an increase in cases relating to fear of persecution due to gender identity or sexual orientation
- The number of LGBTQIA+ refugees and those emigrating to escape persecution has increased, with many coming from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Pakistan, Brazil and Saudi Arabia
- Canada, Britain, the United States and countries within the European Union are all popular destinations for LGBT refugees escaping persecution
- Any members of the LGBTQIA+ community can claim asylum as “members of a particular social group” where they fear persecution or harm should they return to the country in which they reside
Discover more about refugees, from interesting statistics, categories, groups, useful information and much more
EXCEPTIONAL AND DIVERSE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Learn more about the exceptional and diverse global LGBTQIA+ community. Discover interesting facts, join in the fun with interactive games, learn more about the exceptional pioneers and advocates and take pride in all of the sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Discover all things LGBTQIA+ with Gayther today
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LGBTQIA+ COUNTRY & REGION GUIDES
With countries around the world treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community differently, planning an overseas trip can be challenging. With over 233 country and 435 regional guides, Gayther guides provide you with all the information you need when planning your trip. From LGBTQIA equality to essential travel information, discover Gayther guides today
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DISCOVER HOW WELL THE COMMUNITY ARE TREATED..
From marriages and unions to the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships, discover how well each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Updated each year, you can learn of the positive and negative developments for every country worldwide. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ Worldwide equality today
Outsourcing Refugee Assistance on the Rise!
March 5, 2025
Outsourcing has been going on in the business world since the 1950s. The concept and benefit involve engaging with a third party, someone not directly associated or linked with your business, that performs services or tasks on behalf of a company in return for an agreed payment. Often seen as a cost-cutting exercise, it is more about accountability and usually offers tax benefits due to the change in accounting practices. Though still popular in many business sectors, it is becoming a viable option for many countries looking to handle the processing of refugee applications and their ongoing obligations concerning those granted asylum. So, in 2025, what would outsourcing mean to immigration, and how realistic are the perceived benefits?
2024: The Shocking Challenges LGBTQIA Refugees Must Overcome!
November 27, 2024
People have been displaced and migrated to more abundant lands since time began. From the formation of countries, the existence of regulated borders and the ease and availability of travel, refugees have existed throughout the centuries, whether it was the Huguenots escaping religious persecution in 1687 to the French nobility fleeing the revolution in France, the need for people seeking help and refuge had been around for a long time. With a rise in right-wing political agendas and a hardening of anti-LGTBQIA+ laws in specific counties and regions, what does it mean to be an LGBTQIA+ refugee in 2024?
I Believe in Me: becoming your own champion
August 16, 2020
Who believes in you? Knows all your strengths and weaknesses, believes that you can achieve anything you put your mind to and, through your actions, can change the world around you? I know the answer, do you?
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the global LGBTQIA+ community. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself. Helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself. People from around the world from all age groups and backgrounds. Signup for your free Affinity account today
DISCOVER WHICH COUNTRIES LEGALLY RECOGNISE GENDER IDENTITIES...
Gender and body dysmorphia affects many people each year. Many will feel trapped in the wrong body and look to transform their outer appearance to reflect their inner self. For those going through their transition, it is often a challenge and lengthy process. Discover how each country around the world legally acknowledges and treats gender identities
Mika | Lebanese-British Singer-Songwriter
Freddie Mercury | British Rock Musician
All of the people featured within the list are based on those who have shown support in the past or have publicly identified with a specific sexuality, gender identity, or cause. These individuals are featured because they are positive role models for the community and help others come to terms and identify with how they are thinking and feeling. How we identify is personal to us and being featured on this list is by no means meant to out or cause offence. Instead, highlighting exceptional individuals directly linked to the community
EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE MAKING HISTORY
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, where the rights and protection for community members have greatly improved. The improvements and changes are a direct result of the exceptional individuals who stood up, often at great personal risk, to fight for and promote community rights. Discover more about some of these exceptional individuals today
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The Gayther Refugees and Migrants (RM) service is designed to highlight all businesses and services offering inclusive, gay-friendly or tailored LGBTQIA+ immigration, asylum and visa-related services to the global community.
Rules and regulations concerning immigration and asylum are often complex, so getting the right advice and support can be vital. Search the RM today
Learn more about yourself by taking any one of the Gayther personality tests or by taking part in any of the questionnaires
Direct to your inbox, be the first to find out about the latest articles, community news and upcoming events from the fortnightly Gayther Newsletter
A problem shared is a problem halved. We all need a little support, advice and help sometimes, so why not use our Agony Zir service
Gayther...your community resources
Three dedicated websites offer various tools, services, guides, and much more. Free tools and services tailored toward all groups within the global LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the extensive tools, services and guides available on Gayther. From country and regional guides to LGBTQIA+ community resources, learn more about all that Gayther has to offer
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that before travelling that you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
