Over Not Out
First national study into issues
specific to LGBT asylum seekers
in the UK
Dr Charlotte Keeble (Metropolitan
Support Trust)
Michael Bell (MBARC)
Double Jeopardy? Conference
6th July 2010
Part of MHP
Research Context – who are we
and what is our involvement?
• MST - one of the largest registered social landlords
with a research unit attached (working with over 2,000
refugees and asylum seekers)
• Objectives are to undertake research that will provide
an evidence base to inform our own policy and service
provision but also inform, shape and change
government asylum policy
• Commissioned the first comprehensive study of the
housing issues facing LGBT asylum seekers in UK
Part of MHP
About the Research Process
• Desk based review
• Stake holder engagement
• Training community researchers
• 40 face-to-face interviews
• Testing findings and developing
recommendations
• Final Report – A call for Action
Part of MHP
The numbers game
& the data challenge
• A total of 25,670 asylum applications (excluding
dependents) were made in 2008.
• No systematic collection of data on sexuality/gender
identity.
• Estimated 1,284 to 1,797 lesbian, gay, or bisexual
asylum seekers in 2008.
• 2 -3 transgendered people per month (20 to 30 a year)
• >30,000 LGBT asylum seekers over the past 10 years.
• Impact of changes in countries of origin – figures may
underestimate the total significantly.
Part of MHP
Key Findings (1)
• The asylum process
• Access to legal support
• Detention
• Accommodation
• Dispersal and the pull of London
Part of MHP
Key Findings (2)
• Exploitation
• Safety
• Health
• Support networks and …
• … Double Jeopardy
Part of MHP
The Call for Action
31 targeted recommendations, including those for:
• FCO and DfID
• UKBA & Home Office
• Detention Centres
• Health commissioners and providers
• Local authorities
• Landlords and accommodation providers
• RCOs and LGBT organisations
• Charitable trusts and third sector support capacity
builders
Part of MHP
Foundations for Change
1. FCO and DfID 1. Rwanda case has placed
2. UKBA & Home Office this on the agenda
2. Significant progress on
3. Health commissioners and stopping deportations and
providers commitment to review
4. Landlords and protocols and guidance
accommodation providers 3. Recognition of issue in HIV
prevention work
5. RCOs and LGBT 4. Significant change in MST
organisations & charitable 5. Interest from some trusts
trusts and third sector and openings in the
support capacity builders London Funders’ group
Part of MHP
Over Not Out
First national study into issues
specific to LGBT asylum seekers
in the UK
Dr Charlotte Keeble (MST) &
Michael Bell (MBARC)
www.mbarc.co.uk
Part of MHP
