Over Not Out: Research Report on LGBTI

Metropolitan has commissioned a study on the rights and treatment of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) refugees and asylum seekers. ‘Over Not Out – Refreshed’, an update of the original 2009 report, will be launched at on Wednesday 4 July at Canada House, Trafalgar Square.

 The first ‘Over Not Out’ report has had a significant influence on UK policy and practice. Since it was published in 2009, the UK Border Agency began recording data on asylum claims based on sexual orientation and the Government Equalities Office developed and published two action plans on LGBT and Transgender equality, highlighting the main issues that LGBT people are facing and how these can be addressed.

Paul Birtill, Director of Metropolitan Migration Foundation said: “A lot has improved since our original report, however, there are still many challenges. For example, many interpreters haven’t been trained on LGBTI issues and housing strategies have largely ignored issues of migration, let alone LGBTI asylum seekers, despite previous commitments. There are still many LGBTI refugee and asylum seekers at risk of persecution in their home countries and unfortunately at risk of harassment and sexual and financial exploitation in the UK.”

For more information:

• Read the full press release on ‘Over Not Out Refreshed’
• Read the ‘Over Not Out Refreshed’ report 2012
• Find out more about the Metropolitan Migration Foundation