Rainbow Bridges

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RAINBOW BRIDGES:A Community Guide to Rebuilding the Lives of LGBTI Refugees & AsyleesLGBTI REFUGEES: OUR KIN FROM ABROADAmina came to the United States as a young refugee from Somalia. She fled to Kenyabecause her father and brother repeatedly abused her when they found out she was alesbian. While awaiting adjudication of her case, Amina became involved with a localwoman, and the two became partners. During the resettlement process, Amina wasafraid to reveal to the Refugee Service Center caseworker that she was a lesbian. Sheassumed that once she was resettled her partner would be able to join her.It was only after Amina arrived in San Francisco that she learned that U.S. law didnot allow for same-sex couple immigration and that her partner would never be ableto follow. She was heartbroken. To compound the situation, rather than being metby a receptive community, Amina was placed in a shared home with Somalis whodid not accept her. She had to re-closet herself for fear of becoming homeless. 22Before arriving on our shores, many newly-resettled LGBTI refugees see the United States as uniformlyaccepting. They are disappointed to find homophobia, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia in manycommunities. 23 While the past few years have seen wide-reaching advances for LGBTI people in theUnited States, big challenges remain.Figure 6Socio-GeographicalConsiderationsWhere a person is resettled is immensely important.Many LGBTI refugees find themselves highlymarginalized on arrival in the United States. In additionto being refugees, they are low-income, members ofracial or ethnic minority groups, and often still learningEnglish.The geographical areas best suited for LGBTI refugeesare those with social infrastructures and organizationsable to provide appropriate social, vocational, andeducational services. Among the markers of a wellsuitedarea are a high degree of ethnic and racialdiversity and an LGBTI community that can providesupport and a sense of belonging. These are usuallyfound in major metropolitan areas.Even within major geographical areas, there arediffering levels of security and comfort for LGBTIindividuals. In many places, LGBTI communities areclustered in defined neighborhoods, some of which are expensive. It is not possible to place every LGBTIrefugee in these neighborhoods, nor will every refugee want, or be able, to afford living there. Careshould be taken to focus on affordable places where queer individuals can feel safe, comfortable, andreach LGBTI areas by public transportation.8Right Page: Marconi Calindas, To Carry You
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Page 46: 54What is intersex/DSD, ADVOCATES F

Rainbow Bridges

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