Talking with queer asylum seekers

Look around and you'll see that the queer community around the world is under heavy pressure. From Iran, Senegal and Uganda to Hungary and even the US, in many countries, queer people have to fear for their safety and their lives. So it's no surprise that many are looking for a safe place where they can simply be themselves — where they can be in love, engaged, married, or divorced on their own terms.

The Dutch Paradox

For a long time, the Netherlands was considered that beacon of hope. The first country with an open marriage, a country where queer people can become ministers and even prime ministers. But for those who come here with a dream, it often falls apart:

• You will be treated as a fortune seeker. Questions are asked based on stereotypical prejudice. People are becoming suspicious because you did not openly show your identity in your country (even though it is very dangerous there).

• It happens that the IND acknowledges a relationship but then decides that a partner is “not queer enough” and is still expelled to a country that is just as dangerous for queer people as Uganda.

• Meanwhile, you are waiting for a home in crowded, cramped rooms. You share a space with traumatized people from patriarchal cultures. Would you feel safe there?

Not talking ABOUT, but WITH

In the Netherlands, we have become experts in talking about asylum seekers, but hardly anyone talks to them. We are going to change that.

QueerVolt Netherlands and LGBT Asylum Support are joining forces for an evening of essential conversations. No talk from politicians, but the raw and real stories of the people it's actually about.

Please note that part of this meeting will be in English. Interpreters are available to keep everything on track.

Come to Amsterdam on April 23 and join the conversation. Your presence makes the difference.

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