UNHELPFUL RESPONSES
We know that for many people, deportation is nothing more than a word on a page. Sadly, the idea of deportation has become normalised for many in our society because of this – largely influenced by anti-refugee sentiments seen in the media that dehumanise the people that suffer from the effects of deportation. Deportation is extremely harmful for LGBTIQ+ people and we want to see as many people as possible speaking out and taking action to protect LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum.
On this page, we reflect on a few common ways that people down-talk or ignore a crisis such as deportation AND give our responses/solutions to those thoughts.
In no way does this page intend to shame those who have such thoughts, often what we see in the media is designed to make us think in a certain way. With this page, we just hope to encourage everyone to realise that their voices and actions are powerful and matter in making a difference in the world!
Common Responses
Denial
“Deportations are rare, I’m sure they barely happen!”
Response: The threat of deportation for LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum is real, and perhaps bigger than ever. In the year ending March 2023, there were 3,354 asylum-related deportations carried out in the UK (Gov UK, 2023). This is actually a 68% increase on the previous year ending March 2022.
With the Prime Minister’s hard stance on maintaining the Rwanda policy and the comments made by now ex-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, excluding LGBTIQ+ from seeking asylum on the basis of discrimination, deportation is an active and frightening possibility.
Apathy
“This problem is too big for me to solve, I might as well just give up!”
Response: The idea that our voices are not ‘big enough’ to create change is a dangerous one. Every single voice that supports our cause is an important one, even if all you can do at the moment is sign a petition. There is strength in solidarity and who knows, perhaps your signature will be the one that gets us 100,000!
Sign our petition here, calling for a stop on any deportations of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum.
Distraction
“Oh yes I heard about that, anyway, did you see the new Kardashians episode?”
Response: Distraction is an important tool that we humans use to cope with the stressful situations that we come across in life, however it can also be a way for people to avoid standing up for important causes. We encourage all readers to support in opposing the deportation of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum in the UK, as this reflects values of compassion, inclusivity, and human rights.
Remember, the queer community is not exclusive of people seeking asylum and solidarity with LGBTIQ+ people includes them too.
Minimising
“Other people have it worse, these LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum should be grateful for what they have ”
Response: The world is big and complex, which makes these comparisons unhelpful. Instead of minimising the problems of others, we should be facing issues as they appear to us and do what we can to help (e.g. signing our petition).
It should be noted that people seeking asylum are very grateful for the protection they receive in the UK. However, the fear of being returned to a place that exiles, criminalises and murders them is an overwhelming factor in their lives. We shouldn’t expect people to be grateful for receiving their basic human rights, especially when it can take years for a decision on their claim to be made.
Blaming Others
“If their home countries were better, this wouldn’t be a problem!”
Response: Unfortunately, we are not able to control what happens in other countries outside of campaign work, however we can directly influence change here in the UK by using our voices and taking action. For example, you could sign our petition here.
Denying Guilt
“I have never been against people seeking asylum, I’m not part of the problem.”
Response: This is a common perspective that many people hold in relation to global issues. However, being against something and being neutral have the same effect – no positive changes. If we truly want to avoid being part of the problem, then we need to be active and become part of the solution.
