NO PRIDE IN DEPORTATION
Deportation not only jeopardises the lives of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum but also perpetuates discrimination on a societal level, making it essential to understand the profound harm it causes. We advocate for a more compassionate and human rights based approach to asylum policies.
THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DEPORTATION
There are endless reasons as to why deportation is not the answer to solving the so-called ‘refugee crisis’, we have taken the liberty of making a short list of these below to shine a light on how dehumanising, illogical and dangerous deportation is for both LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and generally in the world of asylum and refugees.
Persecution in Home Countries
LGBTIQ+ individuals often flee their home countries to escape persecution and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Deporting them back to these hostile environments condemns them to continued suffering, including exile, physical harm, emotional trauma, abuse, isolation, torture and death.
Violation of Human Rights
Deporting LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum can be seen as a violation of their fundamental human rights. It contravenes international conventions and declarations that safeguard the right to seek asylum and protection from persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Encouraging Discrimination
The act of deporting LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum contributes to societal discrimination by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and prejudices. It suggests that their claims of persecution are not valid and further isolates and stigmatises them (see our More Than Simply Gay campaign for more info on how the Home Office contributes to this kind of stigma)
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Deportation can inflict severe psychological and emotional trauma on LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum. The fear of being returned to a place where they faced persecution can lead to anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder. This trauma affects not only the individuals themselves but also their families and communities.
Undermining Progress in LGBTQ+ Rights
Deportation sends a dangerous message that LGBTIQ+ rights and protections are not universal – or that they are ‘not enough’ to warrant protection from the UK. It hinders progress in promoting acceptance and equality for the global LGBTIQ+ community and perpetuates discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lost Potential
Every deported individual represents lost potential for innovation, creativity, kindness, diversity and progress. By denying them the opportunity to rebuild their lives, we are depriving society of their unique skills and talents. People seeking asylum have their own histories, the majority of which include a lifetime of building professional skills, passions, an education and/or other achievements. Deportation disregards the incredible contributions that people seeking asylum can make to improve society and make the country a more accepting and fruitful place.
A More Inclusive Approach
We believe in a more inclusive approach to asylum policies, where every LGBTIQ+ individual is offered protection and the opportunity to seek refuge and rebuild their lives without the constant fear of deportation. Compassion and the re-humanisation of people seeking asylum is key to this vision.