🌈 Standing Strong with the global LGBTQIA+ community 🏳️🌈
This Pride Month let's raise awareness and stand in solidarity with LGBTQI+ refugees.
Between 2012 and 2017, an estimated 30,900 LGBTQIA+ individuals sought asylum in the United States, with almost 4,000 fleeing due to persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Once they arrive, these individuals encounter barriers to employment, education, safe housing, legal status, and healthcare. Shockingly, around 70 countries criminalize same-sex relationships, with six countries even imposing the death penalty. LGBTQIA+ refugees endure years of exclusion, discrimination, and violence before being forced to leave their homes.
Together, we can work towards a world where everyone can live freely and without fear of persecution, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 🌈 ✊ 🤝