LGBTI Refugees

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) and other sexual/gender minorities are targeted for violence and discrimination in many countries around the world. This violence frequently increases during war and conflict, in post-conflict settings, and during political transitions. Fleeing to other countries in search of safety brings new challenges: LGBTI refugees suffer from a "double stigma" of being both sexual and/or gender minorities as well as refugees. Panelists include Subhi Nahas, Chairman of the board of the Spectra Project, an NGO focused on LGBTI refugees; Dr. Sarah Chynoweth, Research Fellow at the Handa Center; and Amy Weiss, Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at the Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay.