In numerous corners of the globe, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) are confronted with egregious discrimination simply due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In nearly 62 countries worldwide, consensual same-sex acts are criminalized (ILGA World database), plunging LGBTQIA+ individuals into perilous circumstances where their very existence becomes a crime.
The plight of LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers and refugees are particularly dire, as many are hesitant to seek assistance, fearing further persecution should their sexual orientation or gender identity be revealed. This fear-driven “invisibility” not only isolates LGBTQIA+ individuals, but also creates a barrier to much-needed support services, including access to vital mental health services.
At Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), we proudly welcome LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers who have been compelled to flee their countries of origin due to discrimination, threats, and prosecution for merely existing outside the confines of heteronormativity.
This month, Barbara Pulgar, a clinical therapist at LSSNCA, delves into the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals as they grapple with trauma and endeavor to forge a new path in the United States.
LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers often undergo a daunting journey before arriving in the United States. One program participant from Guatemala fled death threats because of his sexual orientation. Along the way, he was abducted by a cartel in Mexico, then detained by ICE upon reaching the U.S. He endured sexual assault in detention and was subsequently fitted with an ankle monitor despite having a credible asylum claim.
In his home country, his sexual orientation became public knowledge, making him susceptible to extortion by gang members. This persistent threat of violence and death also extended to his family members. Persecution shadowed him at every step.
Therapy provided by LSSNCA clinicians aided him in coping with the trauma, but the constant reminder of his situation through the ankle monitor exacerbated his depression. It took more than two years for the monitor to be removed, significantly impeding his ability to move forward. He now experiences a sense of liberation, capable of engaging in activities without fear of discrimination, and his depression has eased.
Another program participant, a LGBTQIA+ rights leader in Colombia, faced targeting due to his activism. Upon arrival at the border, he passed the credible fear screening and independently applied for asylum due to financial constraints. He’s currently establishing a similar support group for the LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S., finding safety and companionship in this new environment.
One former program participant from Cameroon witnessed the murder of his partner by his own family in his homeland due to his sexual orientation. He grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and coming to terms with his identity. It took him some time to feel comfortable discussing his sexual identity, a common experience among many LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers as the trauma they endured due to their identity lingers on. Therapy sessions provided a safe space for him to heal and eventually live openly.
The constant threat of deportation and the experience of detention worsen the already significant trauma experienced by LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers. For many of these individuals, seeking asylum in a new country represents not only a quest for safety but also a journey toward acceptance and freedom.
Despite the challenges, we witness remarkable resilience in program participants. Therapy aids them in processing their experiences and rebuilding their lives and advocacy paves the way for healing and integration into a supportive community.
LSSNCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive support services so LGBTQIA+ asylum-seekers can find healing, hope, and a future free from fear.
Serve Boldly 