LGBT*Q refugees

Refugees welcome!

Persecution and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation are much-discussed issues of today. Differences affecting the living standards and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans/inter-sex (LGBTI) people in the world are frightening. While homosexuals in most Western lands enjoy full legal and social recognition, other countries outlaw and criminalise homosexual acts, and even make them punishable by death.

A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) establishes that people who are persecuted on the grounds of their homosexuality have a right to asylum. The Court has ruled that as sexual orientation is such an important part of a person’s identity, no one should be expected to conceal it. Another ECJ ruling has set severe limits on questioning, in the course of the asylum-application procedure, with regard to sexual orientation. Questioning should be conducted in a manner that conserves human dignity and respects the right to privacy.

It is estimated that about 5% to 10% of refugees are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex. The harassment, assault and state persecution of LGBTI*Q refugees in countries of origin are triggers of various mental disorders, such as trauma or depression. The exclusion and discrimination of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex refugees, including homophobic attacks, in the collective accommodation to which they are assigned after fleeing to a safe country often make life unbearable here also.
It is often doubly difficult, against this background, for severely traumatised and mentally ill LGBTI*Q refugees to defend their interests and rights independently.

Refugees have a right – regardless of their legal residence status – to the services of a legal guardian appointed to represent them.

A legal guardian can be appointed for you if you are an adult fully or partially prevented, due to mental illness or a physical or mental disability, from conducting your own affairs.

We place great value, when providing such care, on the special cultural and linguistic characteristics of the person concerned.

Our services are specifically matched to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex refugees.

Given that the daily lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex refugees are subject to a highly specific set of problems, we recommend the appointment of a legal guardian specialised in the care of LGBTI*Q refugees.
Choose your legal guardian at your own discretion. Your wishes are given great importance when it comes to selecting a carer. Just propose the person of your choice!

As we are familiar with your situation, we know how best to support you. Make use of this advantage!

We would be pleased to meet you personally. Just call us on +49 30 220 526 36 to arrange an appointment.
If you do need a legal guardian, it doesn’t matter which district or suburb of Berlin you are staying in. We provide support for people in all districts and suburbs of Berlin.