Despite the accomplishments of LGBT people in the UK, in more than 80 member states of the United Nations consensual acts between same sex adults are still criminalized. ("State-sponsored Homophobia" ILGA report April 2007). For many lesbians, gay men and bisexuals leaving their home country is not a matter of choice - except the choice of life over death.
Although claiming asylum in the UK on the grounds of sexual and gender identity is possible it is a very difficult process and there are many issues that need to be addressed. For example, asylum seekers will have to prove that they are LGB and that they cannot be "discreet" about their sexual and gender identity to avoid persecution in their home country. In fact as one judge proclaimed: "The Secretary of State is of the view that you can conceal your homosexuality to avoid harm." This is the kind of judgement that you need to be prepared to fight - with evidence - if you claim asylum in the UK.
Also, being held in detention is a reality that many asylum seekers have to face - even in circumstances where detention is itself a danger. LGBT asylum seekers who are detained are likely to be subject to abuse and sexual harassment from fellow detainees, who frequently come from either the very same homophobic country where they have been persecuted in the first place or one with the same attitudes.
Some of the issues faced by LGBT asylum seekers are:
Being an asylum seeker in the UK often means facing discrimination, social isolation, emotional distress and financial hardship. Many LGBT asylum seekers, in order to avoid destitution, are dependent on the generosity of their home or religious communities where they are fearful of discovery.
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