The challenges of leaving home and seeking asylum in Canada are compounded for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans refugees by the requirement to prove their sexual orientation or gender identity within the drastically shortened timelines for refugee determination, according to a new report that will be released on Tuesday.

Envisioning LGBT Refugee Rights in Canada: Is Canada A Safe Haven? is a collaborative report by community groups and researchers at York University and other universities. It concludes that recent changes to the refugee system in Canada have had particularly negative implications for LGBT refugees. The report calls for improvements in Canada’s response, including better provision of services, and makes 37 recommendations for change.

WHAT: Launch of Envisioning LGBT Refugee Rights in Canada: Is Canada A Safe Haven?WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 9 am - 12 noon
WHERE: The 519 (519 Church Street, Toronto)

SPEAKERS:
York University: Prof. Nancy Nicol (Principal Investigator), Dr. Nick Mulé (Social Work), and Kathleen Gamble (PhD candidate)
LGBT refugees: Junique Wambya, TJay Wothaya
Debbie Douglas (Executive Director, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants)
Craig Cromwell (LGBT Refugee Settlement Coordinator, Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention)
Karlene Williams Clarke (LGBT Newcomer Community Services Coordinator, The 519)
MORE INFORMATION:            www.envisioninglgbt.com
 AGENDA:                                      http://envisioninglgbt.blogspot.ca/p/conferences.html

 

Media Contact:

• Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416.736.2100 x22101, wallsj@yorku.ca