Paul - Identity on trial

As a human rights activist, Paul had been persecuted in his country. Recognised as vulnerable, he was followed by doctors. His first application for asylum was rejected, despite the evidence of torture. Through therapy, Paul was able to reveal the additional torture he had suffered because of his sexual orientation. He applied for asylum again, his testimony supported by medical reports. Paul’s asylum claim was again rejected a second time. Trans, queer, bisexual, gay and lesbian asylum seekers face the same difficulties as straight refugees, but carry a double burden: homo- and transphobia from other asylum seekers and Europeans, as well as from asylum officers. Worse, it is not uncommon for protection officers to ask very intimate questions about the applicant’s sexuality and sexual practices in order to check whether the person is really lesbian or gay. In the event that the applicant does not covey the classical stereotype that asylum officers expect that a queer person should present, their claims are instantly questioned and often rejected. For more information, read the co-signed letter about the concerning trends that SOGIESC asylum seekers continue to face in Greece, coordinated by Fenix.