Report says detention environment has serious long-term effects on LGBT asylum seekers
A new report released today by Stonewall and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) has found that lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) asylum seekers can face discrimination and violence in UK immigration detention centres.
No Safe Refuge: Experiences of LGBT asylum seekers in detention can be read here.
LGBT asylum seekers interviewed for the report said they felt forced to hide their identity, for fear of abuse, while detainees who were known to be LGBT reported being bullied, harassed or physically attacked by other detainees.
Stonewall and UKLGIG found that staff in immigration detention centres are ill-equipped to meet the needs of LGBT people or to protect them from harassment from fellow detainees.
Ruth Hunt of Stonewall said that the current detention system subjects many LGBT asylum seekers to the same discriminatory abuse that forced them to flee their home.
Paul Dillane of UKLGIG said: "Our research finds that LGBT asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable in immigration detention and face significant disadvantages and dangers. In detention they experience discrimination, harassment and violence from other detainees and from members of staff. The detention environment has serious long-term effects on their mental and physical well-being."
The reports key findings are as follows:
• LGBT asylum seekers face discrimination and harassment in detention centres. Those who are open about their sexual orientation or gender identity often experience harassment and abuse from other detainees. Some report discrimination from staff. Many feel forced to hide their sexual orientation and gender identity while in detention as they fear bullying and discrimination.
• Trans asylum seekers face particular threats of violence in detention. One trans interviewee reports being placed in multiple male detention centres, even though she made it known that she identifies as a woman. Trans detainees face particular danger in having to share bedrooms and communal showers with other detainees.
• Detention staff fail to protect LGBT asylum seekers from abuse. Staff often lack basic understanding of LGBT issues and even display discriminatory attitudes towards LGBT detainees.
• LGBT asylum seekers cannot fairly pursue their legal claim while being detained. They are required to collect detailed evidence to 'prove' their sexual orientation and gender identity. Due to a lack of privacy and resources, LGBT asylum seekers are gravely disadvantaged when fulfilling these requirements while in detention.
• Detention has serious ill-effects on the mental health of LGBT claimants. The challenging and unsafe detention environment causes constant stress and severe anxiety. Depression, self-harm and suicide attempts were reported by most interviewees as a result.
• Medical treatment fails to meet the particular needs of LGBT detainees. Lack of experience with LGBT issues and discriminatory attitudes from health care staff make it difficult for LGBT people to speak openly about their health concerns and receive the treatment and medication they require.
• Health care staff aren't equipped to respond to the specific needs of trans people. Trans detainees often can't continue their transition, which leads not only to emotional distress but has a direct effect on their mental and physical well-being.
• LGBT asylum seekers find it difficult to settle back into society after their experiences of detention. Many describe experiencing severe mental health issues, isolation, discrimination and financial hardship post-detention. They are often excluded or feel unable to access diaspora or LGBT communities and therefore miss out on the support those community networks could provide.