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http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s10903-016-0363-9&domain=pdf
Web End = J Immigrant Minority Health (2017) 19:723732 DOI 10.1007/s10903-016-0363-9
http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s10903-016-0363-9&domain=pdf
Web End = ORIGINAL PAPER
Seeking Asylum: Challenges Faced by the LGB Community
Linda Piwowarczyk1,2 Pedro Fernandez1,2 Anita Sharma3
Published online: 14 March 2016 Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016
Abstract A retrospective chart review was completed of patients self-identied as lesbian, gay, or bisexual seen through a program for survivors of torture between June 9, 2009 and December 31, 2014 (n = 50). Almost all (98 %) experienced persecution due to their sexual orientation and 84 % were survivors of torture. The circumstances under which the disclosure of sexual orientation took place in the country of origin were often traumatic. In several, efforts were made to change their sexual orientation often through forced marriage. Those in same sex relationships had relationships often marred by tragedy. Women were more likely to be forced to move from place to place, experience rape/sexual assault and threats whereas men were more likely to be persecuted by people on the street. All presented with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Providers need to be attuned to the potential traumatic histories of those eeing persecution due to sexual orientation, and the medical, social, psychological, and legal implications.
Keywords Asylum seeker Torture LGB Sexual
orientation
Introduction
Ms. S is an asylum seeker who had her rst same sex relationship at thirteen when attending boarding school. Her parents were informed; she and her friend vehemently denied, and she was allowed to complete the school year. When her parents learned that she was in a relationship with a fellow university student, her father beat her and told her to leave the home as she was shaming the family. After she and her partner moved in together, neighbors teased them of being lesbians and trying to inuence their children to become homosexual. Two months later, they heard a knock at the door. It was the police who brought them to the station where they were separated. They wanted to know who was supporting their gay advocacy activity. Ms. S was tortured. When she awoke at the hospital, she was told she had been left by the side of the road. She ed the country and is not sure where her partner is...