Tasmanian legal centre sees spike in asylum claims from LGBTQIA+ people

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Many of the cases are linked to fears of persecution over their sexuality or gender identity in their home country. Concerns are being raised that Australia will likely see more cases in coming years.

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00:00A simple act of affection, but it's not taken for granted.

00:06I don't have to think about anything. I can just be.

00:11Sam comes from a country where being gay could land them more than 10 years in jail.

00:16It wasn't until they came to Australia as a teenager that they were free to explore their sexuality.

00:22I was more comfortable with just being myself and expressing the part of myself.

00:31But it was kept secret from their parents.

00:33So when the family's application for permanent residency was knocked back, Sam was terrified.

00:39I don't think I would have been safe physically if I expressed myself.

00:47And then if I hit myself, I don't think I would have been safe mentally.

00:52So they applied for asylum and received permanent protection.

00:57Around the world, 67 countries criminalise same-sex relations.

01:03Punishments range from a few months in prison to a lifetime.

01:07In some places, it's the death penalty.

01:10People fearing persecution in their home country because of their sexuality or gender

01:16can be considered refugees in Australia.

01:19The Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service is representing a growing number of clients like Sam,

01:26usually coming to the end of a student, work or visitor visa.

01:30They generally fear for their life if they were forced to return.

01:33Mr O'Connor believes there are likely many who haven't come forward out of fear of retribution

01:39or because they don't understand the law.

01:42He's seeking more funding to dedicate a lawyer to this caseload and run community workshops around Tasmania.

01:49Liberal representation is critical and is life changing and can make all the difference.

01:55I think all people who have diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are vulnerable in the community.

02:04But for those who are from migrant backgrounds, from refugee backgrounds and from asylum seeker backgrounds,

02:10they're extremely vulnerable.

02:12Ms Long says it's vital all new arrivals are taught it's not okay to discriminate against people

02:18because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in Australia.

02:23For Sam, the security has opened up a whole world of possibilities.

02:28I've got a lot of love around me and I don't think I would have experienced that if I did not apply for this visa.

02:37Also, a lot of nuclear instruments can be created in Australia.

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