You are safe. Your rights, application process, support and safety for LGBT+ people in the UK.
You can say that you are claiming asylum due to persecution based on your sexual orientation or gender identity. You don't need to give all the details — just briefly state the reason. You will explain the details at the substantive interview.
This is your main document. It should be detailed and chronological. Describe:
When you realised your orientation/identity
Your relationships — how they developed, with whom
Impact on your life in your country of origin
Persecution or threats you experienced
Why you cannot return
Life in the UK — relationships, participation in the LGBT+ community
Your personal testimony (witness statement) is the most important evidence.
Also accepted: statements from friends, partners, acquaintances confirming your orientation; country of origin information reports; letters from LGBT+ organisations; medical or psychological reports (if applicable).
The substantive interview is the main interview where you tell your story in detail. It usually lasts 3-6 hours. You will be questioned by a Home Office interviewer through an interpreter.
✓ Right to an interpreter of the same gender
✓ Right to request an interviewer of the same gender
✓ Right to bring a support person (lawyer, friend, organisation representative)
✓ Right to breaks during the interview
✓ Right to answer at your own pace — don't rush
— When did you realise your orientation/identity?
— Have you had relationships? Tell us about them.
— Did your family know? How did they react?
— What happened / what happened to you in your country of origin?
— Why can't you return?
— What would happen if you returned?
— How do you live in the UK? Do you participate in the LGBT+ community?
Free legal help, lawyer directory (find-a-lawyer), Women's Support Group. Help with case preparation and witness statements.
Tel: 0203 752 5801 | Email: [email protected]
Address: 7-14 Great Dover St, London SE1 4YR (by appointment)
21 safe houses in London, North West England and West Midlands. ~40,000 bed-nights per year. Safe housing specifically for LGBT+ refugees.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 3585851 (Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm) | 0800 3585852 (Tue-Thu 2pm-5pm)
For Russian-speaking LGBTQ+: peer support, events, befriending, workshops. A Mendee CIC project.
Note: Skybow does NOT provide legal/immigration advice.
Go to skybow.org →Hate crime, domestic violence, sexual violence — support for LGBT+ people.
Tel: 0800 999 5428 (Mon-Fri 9:15am-8pm, break 1pm-2pm, Wed/Thu closes 4:30pm)
Housing advice for LGBT+ people.
Tel: 0800 6 404 404 (weekdays 10am-1pm) | Live chat: Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm
Micro Rainbow operates 21 safe houses in London, North West England and West Midlands. Average stay is approximately 7 months. This is safe housing specifically for LGBT+ refugees where you can be yourself.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 3585851 (Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm) | 0800 3585852 (Tue-Thu 2pm-5pm)
✓ Stonewall Housing — advice line: 0800 6 404 404
✓ The Outside Project — LGBTQI+ friendly hostel
✓ Refugees at Home — matching with a host for accommodation
File a complaint with Migrant Help: 0808 8010 503
Request a relocation on safety grounds
Contact Rainbow Migration or Micro Rainbow for support
If there is a threat of violence — call the police 999
The Home Office is required to keep your information confidential.
✓ Information about your orientation/identity is not shared with your country of origin
✓ The Home Office does not notify the authorities in your country about your application
✓ You have the right not to disclose your orientation to housemates
✓ Your case is handled confidentially
Emergency (threat to life): call 999
Non-emergency: call 101 or report online
Galop (LGBT+ violence and hate crime): 0800 999 5428 (Mon-Fri 9:15am-8pm, break 1pm-2pm, Wed/Thu closes 4:30pm)
Migrant Help: 0808 8010 503
Record all incidents: dates, times, what happened, who was present.
In the United Kingdom, same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are fully legal.
✓ Register a marriage with a partner of any gender
✓ Register a civil partnership
✓ To register, contact your local Register Office
If you are a transgender person, you can obtain a GRC to officially change the gender on your documents:
✓ Cost: £5
✓ Processing time: ~22 weeks
✓ Surgery is NOT required
✓ Required: 2 medical reports + evidence of living in your acquired gender for at least 2 years
Details on GOV.UK →