Preston City of Sanctuary: Full Network Meeting Monday 15th February 2021 (6-7.30pm) Join by Zoom
Preston City of Sanctuary via Greg
We would like to invite you to our next Preston City of Sanctuary: Full Network Meeting On Monday 15th February 2021 (5.40 for 6pm until 7.30pm)
Please feel free to forward this invitation.. Apologies if you receive it more than once.
Our theme this time:
Pride Without Borders: Issues and Challenges Faced By LGTB People Seeking Sanctuary in the UK
Across the world being Lesbian, Gay, Transsexual or Bisexual remains a crime and source of persecution in around 72 countries. This has led to many being forced to flee for their lives and seek sanctuary, especially from those countries that if convicted, still have the death penalty. As part of LGTB History Month, Preston COS has organized a local network meeting to raise awareness of the specific issues faced by LGTB sanctuary seekers. While these include the fear and abuse generated by homophobia, intrusive and demeaning Home Office decision-making processes often exacerbate these issues. Drawing on speakers with international and national knowledge and direct experience drawn from their casework and research, the meeting aims to raise awareness of the issues and challenges linked to sexual orientation and gender identity and the associated needs of those embroiled within the “hostile environment” of the UK asylum system.
Meeting overview:
Prior to the meeting PCOS supporters are invited to view the highly acclaimed film (from 4-5.15pm), “My God I’m Queer” that is being shown by UCLAN as part of its LGTB History Month programme. Full details can be found at https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/events/lgbt-history-month.php
The zoom channel will be open from 5.40pm.If you join early you will be able to chat and share news with others. If you have news or activities you wish to share with the whole network please email us in advance and we give you a one minute opportunity to share it.
Topic: Preston City of Sanctuary Full Network meeting
Time: Feb 15, 2021 from 05:40 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 875 0045 8971
Passcode: 373983
We will send out a reminder with the zoom link on the afternoon of the meeting by email and via our facebook page.
Agenda
6-6.20pm: Welcome (Dawn) and introductions. Explaining the technology (GREG) Background to PCOS (Dawn or ano)
6.20-6.30pm: Overview of the meeting; respect and ground rules; role of the chat room and raise your hand (Dawn)
6.30-6.50pm: Dr Mengia Tschaleer (University of Bristol) LGTB Asylum Seekers: Issues and Challenges
6.50-6.55pm: Any urgent questions/ comments
6.55-7.10pm: Jeff Morgan LGTB Sanctuary Seekers and the Home Office Mountain
7.10-7.25pm: Q and A’s/ Discussion
7.25pm Concluding remarks/ thanks/ PCOS website/ Dates for your diary.
Date and time of next Network Meeting 17th May 2021 (People Seeking Sanctuary: The pandemic Covid and vaccine)
Refugee Week: 14th-20th June 2021
Further Sources of Support and Advice
UKLGIG (UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group) – A national charity providing links to support groups, resources and a list of specialist solicitors nationally
LGBT Health Refugee Support Project http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/lgbt-refugee-project/
Say It Loud Club provides advocacy and support for LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers in the UK
Living Free UK provide support and validate the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ Africans, people seeking asylum, and refugees.
Persian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans Advisory Services (PLGBT)
African Rainbow Family, a non-profit organisation offering support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTIQ) People of African Heritage including Refugees and wider Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Groups),
House of Guramayle, a platform that advocates for the respect and dignity of the LGBTI+ Ethiopian community.
Let Voice be Heard is an informal Facebook support group supporting LGBQIA+ asylum seekers from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India)
Stonewall has a useful section on the asylum process.
The Human Dignity Trust is a legal charity that supports those who want to challenge anti-gay laws wherever they exist in the world. Their website includes a library of case law and legal analysis
Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants (LGSMigrants) is an activist group fundraising and taking direct action in solidarity with migrants
Many thanks,
Greg Smith – on behalf of
Preston City of Sanctuary Team
https://preston.cityofsanctuary.org
