Migrants' Rights Network’s Post

"Queer people have never been the focus of history, since their stories have often been omitted, denied or silenced. LGBTQ+ History Month aims to rectify this gap, and to build a more respectful and inclusive society for all people. I work as an LGBTQ+ workshop facilitator, and so I often spend time with queer asylum seekers. I know that the UK’s asylum system is incredibly hostile towards Muslim asylum seekers. Workshop facilitators will often suggest taking a photo together at the end of our activities, and of course many queer asylum seekers are uncomfortable with this, because they want to protect their anonymity and their identity, and do not want their families back home to know about their sexuality. However, I know that the workshop facilitators mean well, because many of them have been through the asylum system themselves, and know that photographic evidence is incredibly important in “proving” one’s sexual orientation. We have to talk about how onerous the burden of proof is for queer asylum seekers who have to navigate the hostile immigration system in this country". Read the reflections of a queer Chinese international student and member of our network, as part of our LGBTQ+ History Month x Who Is Welcome? campaign, here: https://buff.ly/42L3eMG #LGBTQHM #WhoIsWelcome

Finland 13 most LGBTQ+ friendly country. Spartacus Gay Travel Index is a long-standing ranking of countries’ LGBTQ+ friendliness. The ranking is largely based on legislation, the rights of LGBTQ+ people in each country. In the latest ranking, Finland has risen to 13th place. Behind the rise is the new Transgender Act passed last year, and now, for the first time, Finland is defined as a country that engages in LGBTQ+ inclusive communications in tourism. Our neighbouring country Estonia also made a big rise from 47th to 32nd place thanks to the Marriage Equality Act. Malta tops the list, followed by Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal.

Forget the narrative that LGBTQ+ experiences are a recent phenomenon. Dive with us into a vibrant tapestry woven from 10,000 years of history, stretching from the two-spirited wisdom of North American indigenous peoples to diverse perspectives across the globe. This journey defies regional limitations, showcasing the rich spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities throughout time. Leave behind the tired myths and step into a world where every letter of the LGBTQ+ rainbow shines. Explore stories of courage and resilience, navigate triumphs and setbacks, and witness the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. We'll unpack pivotal moments, celebrate courageous figures, and delve into the complex tapestry of intersectionality to reveal a history far richer and more nuanced than you ever imagined. This course is not about passive viewing; it's about igniting conversation. We'll elevate consciousness, foster empathy, and challenge perspectives through engaging discussions and critical analysis. Join us as we embark on a journey of understanding, inclusivity, and celebrating the human spectrum in all its glorious diversity. If you're interested in learning more about the Two-Spirited people, Egyptian Pharaohs, Roman Emperors, Ancient Vikings or even more current events such as Compton's Cafe in the 1960s, five years before the Stonewall Riots to the modern-day intersex movement, contact Cynthia at cynthiafortlage@cynthiafortlage.com to book your travel through time during LGBTQ+ history month. #LGBTQHistoryMonth #TwoSpirits #GenderDiversity #acceptancewithoutunderstanding #acceptanceforall2050

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 At Maracab, we believe in the power of words to create inclusive and respectful communication. This Pride Month, we're highlighting the importance of using inclusive language in translations, especially for LGBTQ+ content. 🌍❤️ Best Practices for Inclusive Translations: 1️⃣ Respect Pronouns Always ask for and use the correct pronouns in translations. 2️⃣ Avoid Gender Assumptions Use gender-neutral terms where applicable to ensure inclusivity. 3️⃣ Be Culturally Sensitive Understand the cultural context and nuances of LGBTQ+ terms in different languages. 4️⃣ Stay Updated Language evolves. Keep up with the latest terms and preferred phrases within the LGBTQ+ community. By following these practices, we can ensure that our translations respect and reflect the diversity and identity of all individuals. #PrideMonth #InclusiveLanguage #TranslationTips #TranslationForAll

#DYK that when Europeans arrived in the Americas, they documented encounters with two-spirit people? The term "Two-Spirit" does not simply mean someone who is a Native American/Alaska Native and gay. Traditionally, Native American two-spirit people were male, female, and sometimes intersex individuals who combined the activities of both men and women with traits unique to their status as two-spirit people. In most Tribes, they were considered neither men nor women; they occupied a distinct, alternative gender status. In many Tribes, two-spirit people were accepted and respected, but that changed with colonization. The colonizers, through forced assimilation efforts, changed acceptance into homophobia in many Indigenous communities. Today, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Natives throughout North America are reviving the Two-spirit role and its traditions. This month, and every month, we want to celebrate our LGBTQ2S+ relatives - happy Pride Month from #NIHB! #HealthyNativeCommunites #PrideMonth #NativePride #Pride2024

Japan presents a unique context for conducting queer studies. Unlike Europe, North America, and other regions of the world, it is said to lack homophobia due to the absence of Christianity as moral foundation. However, Japan is the only G7 country that does not recognize same-sex partnerships and sexual minorities are not legally protected from discrimination. While LGBTQ+ issues in Japan have received scholarly attention since the 1990s, there is little scholarship in English on developments after 2000. Our new #OpenAccess volume will bridge this gap by shedding light on political and cultural representations of and by sexual minorities in Japan after 2000. Read it here: 👉https://lnkd.in/exfkRsaw Make sure to also check out our blog post on Japan’s ongoing struggle with LGBTQ+ equality written by the volume’s editors, Stefan Wuerrer (Musashi University) and Kazuyoshi Kawasaka (University of Düsseldorf): 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqHtWb9T #DeGruyter #OpenAccess #LGBTQIA+ #Diversity #Equality

Always been a big fan of WE CREATE SPACE and they smashed it again with their global queer speed networking series and the brilliant Awo Dufie helloo! The amount of #QueerJoy and #inspiration , we LOVE the community vibe <3 Main key take aways in no particular order: 1. Find your people, your community 2. Talk about your projects & share your ideas 3. Be comfortable in the discomfort that you find out of your familiar zone 4. Challenge the status quo 5. Shift your capitalist mind set 6. Believe in yourself 7. Connect with likeminded people 8. Be yourself 9. Listen 10. Speak up #Intersectionalhealing #chillpreneur #spiritualentrepreneur #networking #queerjoy #wecreatespace

Section 28: The Queer Education We Never Had. For LGBT+ History Month. 20 years on from the repeal of Section 28, I spoke to WE CREATE SPACE about how leaders and businesses can prevent history from repeating itself. "20 years on from the repeal of Section 28, as important as it is to celebrate the progress and victories for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, it’s vitally important we recognise the way history has been repeating itself in recent years. We can draw many parallels from the attacks on gay rights back in the 80’s and 90’s to the experiences the trans community is facing in the UK today. I am reminded of the similarities when it comes to the increasing transphobia, down to almost identical language used by political leaders, the dis-informative media coverage and attempts to introduce trans exclusionary measures into businesses, schools, and education. But when we make strong comparisons by looking back into our history, we might just be able to find some answers and adopt similar methods to help us make positive change for the future. For organisations seeking to make improvements for their LGBTQ+ employees, any plan should include year round education, understanding of historical barriers faced by marginalised groups, and how that affects how people show up...." Read full piece here:

Liberating Queerness involves dismantling oppressive CIStems that seek to control and limit expressions of genderness and sexuality. It means challenging societal norms and structures that perpetuate heteronormativity and cisnormativity, and embracing the full spectrum of queer identities. ✊🏽🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🪶 By centering Queer liberation, we can create a world where individuals are free to express themselves authentically without fear of discrimination or violence. This liberation includes recognizing and honoring the intersections of Queer identities with other marginalized identities, such as race, class, and ability in order to ensure a truly inclusive and equitable society. Rejecting settler colonial systems is crucial in the fight for Queer liberation, as these systems have historically erased and marginalized Indigenous Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals. By acknowledging and dismantling these systems, we can work towards decolonizing our communities and honoring Indigenous ways of knowing and being. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🪶 This involves supporting Indigenous Sovereignty, LANDBACK movements, and Indigenous-led initiatives that prioritize the well-being and self-determination of Indigenous Queer and Trans individuals. By rejecting settler colonial systems and uplifting Indigenous queer voices, we can create a more just and equitable for all people and Mother Earth. 🌎 #NoPrideInGenocide #EndPinkWashing #LGBTQIA #2SLGBTQ #NDNCollective

As we enter the final week of Pride Month 2024, we share our thoughts and advice on effective Allyship Day Two: Discover the challenges that still exist Finding out more about the obstacles the LGBT+ community still faces today will help you, as a leader, understand the support that is needed for LGBT+ people within your workforce, identify incidents of discrimination, microaggressions and exclusion, and put measures in place to prevent these from happening. Listen up The best way to discover the personal challenges experienced by LGBT+ people is to listen. If an employee would like to share their experiences or concerns, be prepared to actively listen and ask questions respectfully. Remember, however, that this should never be forced and an LGBT+ person should not have to be responsible for educating you about the struggles of the community.