What we do
The UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) supports LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system. Our vision is a world where there is equality, dignity, respect and safety for all people in the expression of their sexual or gender identity.
We provide psychosocial and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking to help improve their mental health and reduce isolation. We also provide legal information and advice (see asylum overview and asylum procedure ). In addition, we advocate for improved policies and decision-making by governments in LGBTQI+ asylum claims.
We also continue providing support and information to LGBTQI+ people seeking to live in the UK with their partners via our website, an online forum and a monthly meeting .
69 countries criminalise same-sex relations. In eleven of these the death penalty can apply. The persecution experienced by LGBQTI+ people goes well beyond any official prosecutions. The violence, humiliation, inequality and discrimination many LGBTQI+ people face can be enacted by state officials but also by family and community members without any protection from the police. UKLGIG assists LGBTQI+ people seeking a safe haven from persecution.
Our asylum related activities include:
Supporting and advising LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum: providing emotional support and immigration advice (see asylum overview and asylum procedure ), making referrals to solicitors , and visiting detention centres .
Research & policy: working to ensure LGBTQI+ people are treated equally and with dignity in the asylum process; seeking to improve the quality of Home Office decision-making and seeking an end to the detention of LGBTQI+ people.
Training & information: providing training and information on LGBTQI+ asylum issues.