campaigns

"Prove it or go home."

Did you know that same-sex relationships are illegal in 80 countries? Just for being themselves, people face execution, rape and tonure.

Gay people who are persecuted for their sexual orientation are able to claim asylum in the UK. But all too often the process is unfair and degrading.

People are asked to 'prove' their sexuality in ways that are stereotypical and offensive. As a result, many are wrongly assessed and forced to go back home. Some, on hearing that their plea has been refused, even attempt suicide.

"As long as you're noticed, as long as you're recognised. you're victimised. Every day you have to hide. Every day in fear. Tomorrow you might die."
Harrison, Jamaican asylum seeker.

"Prove it? How?"

Currently, Home Office officials don't understand that:

• If you've had to cover up being gay all your life, evidence of previous relationships is not easy to prove.
• You might be too scared to say you're gay at your first interview. If you've fled torture for being gay, being open with officials will be a terrifying ordeal.
• Even where same-sex relationships aren't illegal. people are cast out by their families, forced into marriages or violently attacked.

"They ask about who you have sex with, how many people and how many times. When you've never told anyone and now you have five people asking you questions about this - I found it difficult to talk about."
Adebayo, Nigerian asylum seeker.

"I would look at how they've explored their sexuality in a cultural context - reading Oscar Wilde perhaps, films and music"
Nicholas, UKBA senior caseworker

Refugee Action needs your help to persuade the government that:

UK Border Agency staff should be properly trained in the law, culture and everyday practice that influence a gay person’s ability to live freely and safely in their country of origin.
Living freely and safely is everyone’s right. It’s time to put an end to double standards.