Join us for a discussion about how we can build the bridges and bridge the gaps for LGBTIQ people who found their safety and new home in Australia.

Currently, there are 70+ countries in the world criminalising LGBTIQ relationships with the possible death penalty in 7 countries. For LGBTIQ people in those countries their life is often about survival and often the only way to survive is to run for life. The 1951 Refugee Convention enables them to seek asylum when they are facing persecution on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The question is whether the international protection mechanisms does guarantee an easy pathway to safety. 

In Australia, a debate about the LGBTIQ people seeking asylum or refugees has some dominant narratives. Firstly, we always talking about the past persecution of LGBTIQ people in their countries missing the discussion about the available support in Australia. Secondly, it is generally focused around the way immigration officials review their cases, credibility issues etc. 

All of these debates are unquestionably important. However, when we are only focusing on those narratives, we are risking to miss a bigger picture. Where are LGBTIQ refugees in Australia? Which community do they fit in and belong? Does it get better with time? Does Australia feel like home? What can we as a community/society do to make it feel like one? 

Often LGBTIQ people from refugee background remain invisible and isolated without having a community to belong to. On the one hand, refugee or ethnic community can be homophobic, and on the other, racism and xenophobia can prevent from belonging to the LGBTIQ community. For many LGBTIQ people from refugee backgrounds experience survival guilt and shame to be able to be a part of the LGBTIQ community.

Join us to find out more. 
Tickets for this workshop are strictly limited with places capped at 20 to ensure an intimate, in-depth atmosphere for discussion. Get in quick before tickets run out!

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Being queer and a refugee is a part of the Stories about Hope exhibition, on show in the Museum of the Riverina from 20th of June. Check out other events and find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeDixsonArtist/