Guide: Queer Refugees
I am queer (LGBTTIQ*)
Specific Rights for Queer Individuals
Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, or queer?
Then you are entitled to appropriate support and care. Are you at risk in your home country because of your sexual orientation or gender identity—such as violence, imprisonment, other human rights violations, or even the death penalty? Are you being persecuted for this reason or have you fled in fear of such persecution?
In Germany, you can speak openly about being LSBTTIQ. However, LSBTTIQ individuals often fear their situation becoming known. In the asylum procedure, though, it is very important that you talk about the discrimination and persecution you have experienced due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. This is relevant both for the interview and for determining where you can live safely.
Your Specific Rights
- Consideration of your experiences of persecution or risk of persecution in the asylum procedure
- Interview by a special representative for gender-based persecution
- Confidential handling of your information
- Safe accommodation, preferably outside of shared facilities or in specially protected housing
- Protection from discrimination
Counselling Centres for Queer People
LSVD (Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany)
The association provides counselling and support for people within the LGBTIQ* spectrum. In particular, the “queer refugee support” programme supports people who have fled to Germany, including with asylum procedure counselling.
Email: sophie.lauf@lsvd-lsa.de
Phone: +49 152 541 632 36
Rainbow Connection (LSVD):
As part of the „Queer Refugee Support“ project, the “Rainbow Connection” holds an open meeting every Friday from 17:00 until at least 22:00. The meeting allows for exchange between all newly arrived queer or interested individuals and those who have been in Magdeburg for a longer time.
FLINTA* stands for Women, Lesbians, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender persons.
Each district has its own equal opportunities officer:
Equal Opportunities Officer Stendal
Phone: +49 3931 60-7041
Email: gleichstellung@landkreis-stendal.de
Equal Opportunities Officer Halberstadt
Phone: +49 3941 551003
Email: gleichstellung@halberstadt.de
The collected information was compiled and provided by the SENSA project. The project is funded by the European Union (AMIF), co-funded by the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Free State of Thuringia, and UN Refugee Aid.
