In an Australian first, LGBTQI+ refugees in Asia and the Pacific who face serious harm simply for who they are, will be able to access priority processing in Australia’s humanitarian program.
For many LGBTQI+ people facing persecution, fleeing their home country is the only way to survive. But for too long, they have fallen through the cracks of the international refugee system.
While Australian policies allow LGBTQI+ cases to be prioritised, there is a gap between policy and reality. For example, a queer person cannot be registered as a refugee if their country criminalises being LGBTQI+ – which effectively blocks their access to safe pathways.
That’s where this new, life-saving initiative called Bridge to Safety comes in.
Our friends at the Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) will lead the program, identifying, evaluating, and prioritising cases through self-referrals and regional partners.
RACS will be the official legal partner for this life-saving work, preparing and lodging applications for priority processing by the Department of Home Affairs.
The Bridge to Safety will give LGBTQI+ refugees support to escape danger and resettle in Australia.
I cannot emphasise enough how significant this opportunity is.
Wendy, after years of advocacy, we’re finally seeing tangible change.
RACS Ambassador and former client Queer Habibi understands first-hand how much safety means for LGBTQI+ people:
“It changed my life. I can be myself now forever in Australia, build my future and my dreams here.”
I want to thank you for your solidarity with LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum. Your support has helped get us this far and I hope you will continue to stand with us to bring persecuted members of this community to safety here in Australia – starting today.
Gretel Emerson,
RACS LGBTQI+ Safety Program Lead