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We are aware of the BBC’s investigation into individuals allegedly helping people fabricate LGBTQI+ asylum claims. Any advice to misuse the asylum system should be condemned, but such behaviour by a small number of bad-faith actors does not reflect the reality of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum.
Almost 70 countries criminalise same-sex relations, some with the death penalty. The UK government itself recognises that in Pakistan consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is criminalised with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment.
Every day we work with LGBTQI+ people who have fled life-threatening situations and are hoping to rebuild their lives in safety here. For many, claiming asylum can be their only way to escape persecution.
A gay man from Pakistan who came here as a student told us how his family and community sent threatening messages after they found out he was gay. His family cut off financial support and emptied his bank account, and he was warned not to return home.
Another person from Pakistan who was abused, harassed and beaten many times, explained: “To leave your country, your family, your childhood, and to come here, is not easy for anyone. But when you are in danger, when your life is in danger, you have to make a decision. And if you come with a student visa, you are dependent on your family, we don’t have any job, any money, we are on our own here. My whole life I’ve been scared, I was depressed, scared from people, so running away alone was not easy. It’s very dangerous.”
The asylum system is hostile and complex, and particularly difficult for LGBTQI+ people as they are required to “prove” their sexual orientation or gender identity to complete strangers. Many have spent much of their lives hiding or denying who they are to avoid violence. Government cuts to legal aid only exacerbates this issue.
The UK government’s most recent data release shows that only around 2% of all asylum claims included sexual orientation as a reason for needing protection and it is already the case that #LGBTQI+ people must face a well-founded fear of persecution to qualify for refugee protection in the UK.
🎉We have fantastic news - a gay man from Iraq who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️🌈
💖We are very happy for him, and wish him all the best in this next chapter.
#GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT
🌟New blog: find out what we can assist with via the link in bio.
You can find information on "Our legal team and how they can help" and "How to find a lawyer" on our website now.
We’ll keep adding new explainers on a regular basis, so this page will continue to grow with more clear information over time.
These quotes came from our supporters sending messages of solidarity to LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum 🏳️🌈🩷
This is what hope looks like for us.
#MillionActsOfHope #TogetherWithRefugees
Over the past week, MPs from across Parliament have started coming together, calling on Ministers to rethink a policy that will leave LGBTQI+ people exposed to bullying, harassment and abuse in detention.
‼️Comment "action" and we'll send you the link to email your MP, or find it via the link in bio.
The more people your MP hears from, the more likely they are to sign the joint letter. And the more MPs who join together, the more likely the Minister is to act. 🏳️🌈Help protect LGBTQI+ people in detention by emailing your MP today.
🌟Let’s keep the pressure up together.
✨️If you are LGBTQI+ in the UK and have experience of asylum or detention, or applying for a partner/spouse visa, we want to hear from you!
Your story could make a real difference and help our campaigning for better treatment of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in the UK.
There are many ways to get involved and you don't need any experience.
💻Please email us at [email protected] if you're interested, and share this post with anyone you know who might be.
🎉We have fantastic news - a trans woman from Malaysia who we supported has been granted refugee status in the UK! 🏳️⚧️
💖We are very happy for her, and wish her all the best in this next chapter.
#GoodNews #GoodNewsFriday #LGBT
🏳️⚧️A brief* history of hijras🏳️⚧️
From records dating back to two ancient texts from around 400BC; to March 2026 when India’s parliament passed a bill that changes how transgender people are legally recognized and removes their crucial right to self-identification.
This week is Trans+ History Week - a time to reflect on Trans communities past, present and future ✨️🏳️⚧️
(Full text also available on our substack, via link in bio).
#TransHistoryWeek
Dr Cathy Jaquiss of Rainbow Migration and Allan Briddock of One Pump Court Chambers will present a lecture about the presentation and litigation of LGBTQ+ asylum claims in the UK.
🌟When? Wednesday 13th May, 12-2pm
🌟Where? Online or in-person (at Willkie’s offices in London, EC2Y 9AW)
Book your free ticket now via the link in bio
We're over halfway towards our target - but the more MPs who sign the letter, the more powerful it will be.
🏳️🌈Ask your MP to protect LGBTQI+ people in detention. It only takes 2 minutes using the link in bio.
LGBTQI+ people are at risk of serious harm in immigration detention. A recent policy review offered a chance to protect them, but Ministers are once again refusing to act.
Now a cross-party group of MPs is pushing back. Will you ask yours to join them?
#NoPrideInDetention #EndLGBTQIDetention
Our legal advice service will be paused from 4 May and will resume on 11 May 2026. This is to allow our team to assist everyone who is waiting for support at the moment.
During this period, we can only respond to urgent cases. If you have an upcoming substantive asylum interview, appeal deadline, are detained or have received a removal notice, please contact us immediately using the contact form via the link in bio or by emailing [email protected] with as much detail as possible.
For all other matters, we may be able to assist you once the service resumes so please contact us again after that date. We will not be keeping a waiting list during this period.
In the meantime, we have lots of helpful resources on our website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Read our new Substack article via the link in bio to find out more🤍🧡🩷
Whilst we’re talking about ideas of homonormativity, homonationalism, and social legibility, it’s crucial to remember that these aren’t abstract or theoretical terms. The impacts these concepts have are real.
For lesbians seeking asylum this can mean being disbelieved by decision-makers, or facing narrow and harmful assumptions shaped by anti-Blackness, anti-butch bias, and Westernised ideas of what it means to be a lesbian.
It can also remind us of, and reinforce the need for, intersectional community-organising.🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
