A Practical Guide to Resettling LGBT Refugees and Asylees 9/14/12 10:01 AM

9/14/12 10:10 AM9/14/12 10:10 AM

9/14/12 10:01 AM asylees and LGBT refugees to resettling guide A practical Rainbow

Response

Response Response Rainbow Rainbow

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Response Rainbow 02 P17274.indd 11

Rainbow Response A practical guide to resettling LGBT refugees and asylees 9/14/12 10:01 AM

Response Rainbow Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights 208 South LaSalle Street Chicago, IL 60604 312.660.1670 [email protected] www.heartlandalliance.org Copyright Information of the contents of this manual is not permitted Reproduction written consent of Heartland Alliance. without express 02 P17274.indd 68P17274_Cover.indd 1P17274_Cover.indd 1 P17274.inddP17274_Cover.indd 12 2 9/14/12 10:01 AM P17274.indd 67 9/14/129/14/12 10:10 10:01 AM AM Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ...... 02 Introduction ...... 03

1. Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ...... 04 A. Terminology ...... 04 B. Diversity of Sexual and Gender Identities ...... 06 C. Dispelling Myths ...... 07 D. Transgender Facts ...... 08

2. Creating a Safe Space for LGBT Participants ...... 09 A. Assessing and Managing Staff Discomfort ...... 09 B. Approaches to Case Management ...... 11 C. Cultivating an Inclusive Environment ...... 15 D. Ensuring Conﬁ dentiality ...... 19 E. Additional Organizational Policies ...... 22 F. Physical Safety Concerns...... 24

3. Direct Service Provision ...... 28 A. Employment/Vocational Services ...... 28 B. Housing ...... 31 C. Health Services ...... 35

4. Legal Services ...... 39 A. Civil Law, Discrimination, and Hate Crimes ...... 39 B. Immigration ...... 42

5. Mental Health ...... 45 A. Discussing Mental Health Services with LGBT Program Participants ...... 46 B. Selecting a Mental Health Provider ...... 47 C. Substance Abuse ...... 48 D. Mental Health Services for Transgender Persons ...... 49 E. Suicide and Crisis Response ...... 50 F. Traumatic Stress ...... 52

6. Community Integration ...... 53 A. Teaching Tolerance ...... 53 B. Familial Mediation ...... 55 C. LGBT Community Support ...... 58

Conclusion ...... 60

Rainbow Welcome Initiative Cultivating Safe Spaces and Supportive Communities

P17274.indd 13 9/26/12 8:40 AM Acknowledgements

This manual was produced with the generous support of the Administration for Children and Families, Ofﬁ ce of Refugee Resettlement as part of Technical Assistance Grant 90XR0017. Heartland Alliance thanks its partners for their invaluable contributions throughout the development of this guide: Church World Service-Miami (CWS), Heartland Human Care Services (USCRI), and Refugee Services of Texas (LIRS, EMM, CWS). Thanks also to Heartland’s National Immigrant Justice Center for their collaboration on the legal section. This ﬁ eld manual went through many drafts and was informed by the insight, feedback, and contributions of resettlement staff and training participants at Heartland Alliance’s regional training workshops in San Diego, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Chicago. We also express our appreciation to our pilot sites that have successfully implemented best practices for working with LGBT refugees and asylees: Nationalities Service Center in Philadelphia (USCRI), Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Atlanta (CWS, EMM), and Alliance for African Assistance in San Diego (ECDC). Their efforts have already transformed the way LGBT refugees and asylees are welcomed into their cities. We especially want to thank the refugees and asylees who have shared their stories and informed our work from day one. Their courage, resilience, and strength inspire us daily.

An electronic version of this manual as well as additional information, assessments, links, and Rainbow Response 02 resources can be found at www.RainbowWelcome.org.

P17274.indd 2 9/26/12 8:40 AM P17274.indd 3 03 Rainbow Response Introduction identify, serviceproviders have Regardless ofwhetherLGBTrefugees self- continued discriminationandharassment. members orcaseworkersduetofearof reluctant todisclosesuchinformationfamily orientation andgenderidentity. Theymaybe status forreasons unrelated totheirsexual Most LGBTrefugees initially obtainedrefugee opportunities thatwillfacilitatetheirintegration. committed tocultivatingsocialandeconomic community responsiveand totheir concerns US, LGBTrefugees/asylees are inneedofa or nationalcommunities.Whenresettling inthe the isolationtheyfacewithintheirownethnic as LGBTindividuals,theymustalsonavigate ‘outsider’ statusasforcibly displacedpersons; refugees andasyleesare designatedan and asyleesrely. Doublymarginalized,LGBT support networksupon resettle intheUS,theyoften lackthecritical neighbors, andcommunitymembers.Asthey committed byfamilymembers,friends, LGBT refugees oftenrunaway from violence populations ﬂ and genderidentity. Whilemostotherrefugee persecution basedontheirsexualorientation Across theglobe,individuals are ﬂ vulnerabilities. and obstacles andhaveuniqueconcerns and asyleesare confronted withadditional bisexual, andtransgender(LGBT) associated withresettlement, resources.On language, andlookforworkwithlimited as theyadapttoanewculture, learn challenges whenresettling intheUnitedStates Refugees andasyleesfaceinnumerable they experiencedbackhome. accessing services,andviolationofrights facing thesamediscrimination,barriersto preventing LGBTrefugees/asylees from The resettlement networkmustcommitto and welcomeintheirnewcommunities. responsibility toensure theyfeelsafe ee persecutionbystateactors, topofthechallengestypically which lesbian,gay, an otherrefugees refugees extraordinary eeing

community thathasfortoolongbeenhidden. providers willsuccessfullyrespond toarefugee each service,interaction,andreferral, service backgrounds andexperiences willinform refugees arriveandconsidering howtheir the uniquecircumstances under whichLGBT a supportivecommunity. Byacknowledging self-suffi For LGBTrefugees andasylees toachieve participants. same methodologytoworkingwithLGBT guide willenableorganizationstoapplythe ethnic identity, HeartlandAlliancehopesthis participants’ countryoforigin,religion, and their approaches toservice deliverybasedon community.agencies Just asresettlement specifi providers sotheycan manual tooffer practicalguidance toservice year, HeartlandAlliancedevelopedthisfi conducting aseriesofregional trainingsthis competent servicestothispopulation.After needed torender comprehensive, culturally- the tools,knowledge,andtechnicalassistance Initiative provides resettlement agencieswith Welcome Initiative.TheRainbowWelcome Alliance’s establishmentoftheRainbow of RefugeeResettlementsupportedHeartland response toLGBTrefugees/asylees, theOffi Recognizing agapinresettlement agencies’ c needsoftheLGBTrefugee/asylee ciency, theymustfi ef fectively meetthe rst fi nd safetyand eld tailor ce 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 4 04 OrientationandGender Identity 1. Understanding Sexual Rainbow Response • • • with, individualsofadifferent orthesamegender. Refers toeachperson’s capacityforemotionalandsexualattraction to, andintimaterelations Sexual Orientation* Refugees (UNHCR)(whichare denotedbya*). recognized andutilizedbytheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerfor culture, andlanguage. Terms describingsexualorientationandgenderidentityvarybyregion, A. Terminology sexuality andgenderdifferently. and identities,ascountriesfrom whichrefugees comemayconceptualize multicultural context,itisimportanttoappreciate diverseexpressions specifi and concerns issues willhelpguideyouwhenmakingreferrals andidentifyingneeds to strengthen servicedeliveryforLGBTparticipants.Knowledgeofthese Understanding issuesrelating tosexualityandgenderenablesproviders

Bisexual*: Describesanindividualwhois Gay*: Isusedtodescribeamanwhose Lesbian*: Isawomanwhoseenduring attracted tobothmenandwomen. physically, romantically, and/oremotionally emotional attractionistoothermen. enduring physical,romantic, and/or attraction istootherwomen. physical, romantic, and/or emotional

c tothiscommunity. Especially whenworkingina For thismanual,wechosetoincludeterms

• •

WSW: Women whohavesexwithwomen. MSM: Menwhohavesexwithmen. bisexual. WSW maynotidentifyaslesbiansor MSM maynotidentifyasgayorbisexual.

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 5 05 Rainbow Response • • • • • OTHER TERMS • • • • • not correspond withthesexassignedatbirth. Refers toeachperson’s andindividualexperienceofgender, deeplyfeltinternal whichmay ormay Gender Identity*

Heterosexism: Describesinstitutionalized Homosexual: UsedtodescribeLGB Heterosexual: Describesan individual Intersex*: Anumbrella term covering Ally: Referstoindividualswhosupportand Passing: Thistermisusedtodescribe MtF: Maletofemaletransgenderindividual. Female toMaletransgenderindividual. FtM: Transition: Transgender*: Isanumbrella termfor oppr because ofnegativeconnotations. used bymembersoftheLGBTcommunity individuals, thismedicaltermisnotoften opposite sex. emotional attraction whose enduring of bothmalesandfemales. individuals mayhavebiologicalcharacteristics sexual developmentisatypical.Intersex in whichanatomic,chromosomal, orgonadal consist ofdiagnosablecongenitalconditions differences ofsexualdevelopment,whichcan not members. advocate foracommunityofwhichtheyare as awomanbyothers. identify, i.e.atransgender womanisperceived perceived asthegenderwith whichthey the abilityoftransgenderindividualstobe with theirgenderidentity. persons aligntheirphysicalappearances assigned atbirth. expression differs from thesextheywere people whosegenderidentityand/or individuals andexperiences. ession againstnon-heterosexual The process inwhichtransgender physical,romantic, and/or istosomeoneofthe

- - • • • • • Bottom surgery: Top surgery:

Gender RealignmentSurgery:Refers Questioning: Referstoindividualswho Queer: Anumbrella termencompassing a Transphobia: Referstohostility, negative Homophobia: Referstohostility, negative reconstruction. individual’s bodythrough genital involving therealignment of atransgender through chestreconstruction. realignment ofatransgenderindividual’s body appearance withtheirgenderidentity. undergo toaligntheirgenitalia to medicalprocedures individualsmay gender identity. are unsure oftheir or agender-binary. expressions notadheringtoheteronormativity refer topoliticalideologiesandsexual/gender reclaimed bytheLGBTcommunitytoalso was originallyusedasaslurbuthasbeen identities excludingheterosexuality. Theterm variety ofsexualorientationsandgender individuals. attitudes, and/orfeardirected attransgender said toexperienceinternalizedhomophobia. hatred becauseoftheirsexual orientationare LGB individualswhofeelshameandself- attitudes, and/orfeardirected atLGBindividuals. Refers tosurgeriesinvolvingthe sexual Refers tosurgeries orientationand/or

and physical

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 6 06 How oneidenti of sexualityandgender. to Westernconceptualizations himself, especiallyaccording or howonepresentsher/ correspond tohowonebehaves Rainbow Response fi es maynot better servicesfortherefugees andasyleeswith identity, particularlyacross cultures, iskeytogreater inclusivenessand Appreciating thefl rich diversityofsexualexpressions andgenderidentitiesacross theglobe. recognize thatfi identify andrespond totheneedsofLGBTpersons.Still,itisimportant community membersto“speakthesamelanguage”andenablethem Shared defi B. DiversityofSexualandGenderIdentities • •

The termslesbian,gay, bisexual,and We oftenhearabouttheLGBTcommunity this communityforreason. imports oftheWest andare hostiletowards built. Somealsoperceive LGBTidentitiesas foundation onwhichmanycommunitiesare in theMiddleEast/NorthAfricanregion, isthe to thefamilyunit,whichlikeinothercountries in partbecauseitposesanimmediatethreat In Iraq,identifyingasgayorlesbianistaboo, diffi or dishonortoone’s family, andexperiencing include endangeringoneself,bringingshame the LGBTcommunity. Consequencesmay implications foridentifyingasamemberof there are oftenotherculturalandsocietal partners identifi Not everyonewhohassame-sexsexual acts ofindividuals, and WSWsincetheyfocusonthesexual contexts. You canalsousethetermsMSM transgender maybeusefulincertain across communitiesinthe globalsouth. on howsexualandgenderexpression differ communities, andthere islimited information tremendous diversityofcultures and Refugees andasyleescomefrom a and howsocietyreacts andresponds. identifi cultural variablesstilldeterminehowone recognized andshared LGBTidentities, has beeninfl and abuses.WhileWesternLGBTculture within thecontextofhumanrightsviolations culty insecuringemployment. es, howoneexpresses her/himself, uential inshapingglobally nitions allowserviceproviders, advocates,organizations,and es asgay, lesbian,orbisexual; not xed defi theirsexualorientations. exibility andfl nitions remain limitedintheirabilitytoillustratethe uidity ofsexualorientationandgender

• •

You There are oftennocorresponding words and and purchased sextolong-term emotional partnerships varies,from one-time affairs penetrated are. Thenature ofthesemale to begay;onlytheirmalepartnerswhoare who penetrateothermenare notconsidered In manyLatinAmericancommunities,men relationship status. one presents her/himselfor one’s Do notmakeassumptionsbasedonhow or outofromantic/emotional attractions). the samesex(eitherforeconomicpurposes but stillhavesexualrelations with married toamemberofthe sharing thisinformation.Somemayevenbe as LGBTortheymaynotfeelcomfortable gender identitytoyou.Theymaynotidentify and typicallydonotpartnerwithwomen. wives. Receptivepartnersare more feminine are perceived asmasculineandoftenhave they disclosesuchsensitiveinformation. how theywishtoidentifyandifwhen determination andtodecideforthemselves or of howLGBTpeopleshouldlook,act, not toimposeourownviewsorexpectations here intheUnitedStates,butitisimportant educate participantsaboutthetermsweuse vocabulary todeﬁ cultures andcommunities,whetherthere is gender identitiesandexpressions varyinall members. Still,sexualorientationsand widely knownorusedbymostcommunity In somecases,thesewords existbutare not bisexual, ortransgenderindifferent countries. for homosexual,heterosexual, gay, lesbian, never disclose identify willlikelyencounterparticipantswho r omantic relationships. Active partners . Participantshavearighttoself-

whom theirsexualorientationor ne it.Serviceproviders can youwork. oppositesex membersof

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 7 07 Rainbow Response been recorded throughout history. Homosexuality isanaturaloccurrence thathas phenomenon. Homosexuality isacontemporary males andfemales. will livetheirentire livesattractedtoboth be thecaseinsomeinstances,mostbisexuals being bisexualtolesbianorgay;whilethismay that bisexualindividualswilltransitionfrom sexual identity. Somepeoplewrongly believe individuals are inan‘in-between’ periodin the lesbianandgaycommunity, thatbisexual It isoftenassumed,evenbymembersof their sexuality. Bisexual individualsareconfusedabout and homophobia. men are.” Thismythisusedtospurfear sexually abusechildren than heterosexual “homosexual menare notmore likelyto to theAmericanPsychologicalAssociation, unequivocally debunkthismyth.According Statistical evidenceandpsychologicalstudies Gay menaremorelikelytobepedophiles. appearance, andbehavior. Lesbians are equallydiverse inexpression, All lesbiansactlikemenorwanttobemen. stereotypes withwhichsome mayidentify. and behavior. Societyoftenreinforces cultural Gay menare diverseinexpression, personality, be women. All gaymenareeffeminate her/himself. LGBT andhasnotyetshared thissideof a friend,relative, neighbor, orcolleagueis orientation orgenderidentity. Itisverypossible any onewhoisopenabouther/hissexual It isfarmore likelythatyoudobutnotknow is LGBT. I donotpersonallyknowanyonewho present themselvesinthewaytheyidentify. lesbian. Transgender individualsmaynot to be“stereotypically straight”butidentifyas identify asstraight;awomanmightappear behave ina“stereotypically gaymanner”and orientation orgenderidentity. Amanmight It isbesttoneverassumeaperson’s sexual It iseasytoidentifyLGBTindividuals. C. DispellingMyths which they haveyettodeterminetheirprevailing or wantto

openly asLGBT. LGBTrefugees maynot role inwhetheranindividualdecidestolive orientation asbeinginherent. Choiceplaysa Most LGBTindividualsdescribetheirsexual Homosexuality isachoice. and cultures across theglobe. Homosexual behavioroccursinallcommunities the West. Homosexuality canbefoundonlyin have households. Children ofsame-sex parents affected bybeingraisedin same-sexparent There isnoevidencethatchildren are negatively their development. Same-sex parentsharmchildrenand or genderidentity. of anypredisposition based onsexualorientation they endure asLGBTindividuals, notbecause result oftheisolation,hostility, ordiscrimination mental illnessorsubstanceabuse,butthisisa LGBT individualsare more susceptibleto illness and/orsubstanceabuse. LGBT personsarepredisposedtomental acts, notbecauseofone’s sexualorientation. HIV/AIDS iscontractedbecauseofsexual contract. HIV/AIDS isadiseaseonlygaymen it couldhaveresulted intheirpersecution. as iftheyeverhadachoicetolivenopenly of allparticipants. competency andrespecting thehumanrights asylees isapartofachievinggreater cultural Strengthening servicesforLGBTrefugees and circumstances underwhich refugees arrive. is activelyacknowledgingthedifferent population, includingtheLGBTcommunity, Tailoring servicestomeettheneedsofeach “preferential treatment.” meanswearegivingthem services Offering LGBTparticipantscertain and succeed. that havebeenprovided for themtothrive their mothersandfatherstheopportunities the nurturingandlovinghomescreated by spokenoutagainstthismyth,describing feel

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 8 08 assigned atbirth. not correspondwiththesex gender, whichmayor and individualexperienceof person’s deeplyfeltinternal Gender identityreferstoeach a different orthesamegender. relations with,individualsof attraction to,andintimate for emotionalandsexual to eachperson’s capacity Sexual orientation Rainbow Response refers this communityare distinct. make upthe“T”inLGBTacronym, buttheissuesconfronted by separate from andindependentofeachother. Transgender individuals intertwine butinreality, sexualorientationandgenderidentityare is complex.Societalviewsofgenderandsexualorientationoften The relationship betweensexuality, genderidentity, andsexualorientation D. Transgender Facts “he” or“him.” 1. Atransgenderwomanisreferred toas by takingthisshortquiz. moreLearn abouttheTransgender community Transgender True or gay orlesbian. 5. Transgender individualsidentifyaseither transvestite. 4. Crossdresser isthepreferred termover appearance. pronouns byjudgingtheperson’s physical 3. Onecandetermineanindividual’s preferred with theirgenderidentity. procedures toaligntheirphysicalappearance 2. Alltransgenderindividualsundergomedical False True False True False True False True False True FalseQuiz

heterosexual, gay, lesbian,orbisexual. to. Transgender individualsmayidentifyas not determinewhooneissexuallyattracted sexual orientation.One’s genderidentitydoes 5. False: 4. True gender theyidentifyas. themselves, doesnotcorrespond tothe their genderexpression, or howtheypresent 3. False:Forsometransgenderindividuals, this transitionmethod. unaffordable. Othersare justnotinterested in These procedures are veryexpensiveandoften never takestepstophysicallyaltertheirbodies. 2. False:Manytransgenderindividuals pronouns theyprefer. transgender, itisbesttoaskthemwhat participants let where they what pronouns theyprefer, dependingon individuals thoughmaycircumstantially alternate feminine pronouns shouldbeused.Transgender 1. False:Ifthepersonidentiﬁ Answer Key Gender are andhowtheyare feeling.Ifyour youknowtheyidentifyas identityisdifferent from es asfemale,

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 9 LGBTParticipants 2. Creating aSafeSpace for 09 Rainbow Response of LGBTrefugees andasyleestoself-identify. more inclusiveofLGBTparticipants,encouraginggreater numbers policies andpractices,serviceproviders canmaketheirorganization ofﬁ actively demonstratesupporttotheLGBTcommunity, markingits discriminated against.Resettlementagenciescantakemeasures to pertaining totheirsexualityandgenderbecausetheyfearbeing LGBT refugees andasyleesare reluctant todiscloseinformation forward productively andpositively. circumstances weexperiencediscomfortandstrategizewaystomove It isimportanttoidentifyandacknowledgewhyunderwhat which LGBTstatusisstigmatizedasreligiously orculturallyunacceptable. resettlement workerswhomaycomefrom countriesorcommunitiesin comfort workingwiththispopulation.Thisisparticularlytrueforrefugee personal andprofessional settingsandthusmayhavedifferent levelsof We allhavedifferent experiencesinteractingwithLGBTindividualsinboth manage discomfortinorder tocontinueproviding essentialservices. if theyfeelunwelcome.Itisimportanttoidentifywayseitherreduce LGBT participantswillfeellessinclinedtoaccessservicesattheagency Participants cansensewhenserviceproviders are uncomfortable. A. AssessingandManagingDiscomfort ce asa“safespace”forallparticipants.Byexaminingandadjusting

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 10 10 LGBT arrangements toguarantee employees level andboundariesoftheir need toknowthecomfort Supervisors andmanagers they need. the supportandinformation Rainbow Response participantsreceive so theycanmake • TIPS FORMANAGINGDISCOMFORT:

Consider thefactorsthatmaycontributeto - Occasionally, staff mayholdreligious - Negativestereotypes andmessages > > > > > > > > > > - Lackoffamiliarityorexposure toagroup your orcolleagues’discomfort. Staff membershavearesponsibility to Staff whofeelahighlevel ofdiscomfort There isadiversityofopinion withinmost Pushyourselftoreevaluate your Challengepreconceived notions; Considerthewaysinwhich Developapersonalrelationship withan Pursueprofessional development Watch moviesandTVshowswithpositive ReadbooksorarticlesabouttheLGBT their feelingstoward LGBTpersons relatives, andwhocanhelp staff explore religious background whohaveLGBT that can of your perspective orbelief. not toshare astaff member’s religious respect therightofprogram participants supportive, non-judgmentalway. helpful toreach outtoLGBT organizations due toreligious convictionmay ﬁ universal withinanyonereligion. condemnation ofLGBTstatusisrarely religions regarding LGBTpersonsand perceptions ofLGBTpersons. beliefs thatnegativelycolortheir this community. attitudes andmakeaneffort toengage wrongfully discriminatedagainst; in theUnitedStates. pervasive across theglobe,evenhere regarding theLGBTcommunityare individual whoidentiﬁ or trainingonLGBTissues; opportunities byattendingaconference representations ofLGBTindividuals; community; and increase understanding: steps onecantaketoreduce discomfort of peoplemayleadtodiscomfort.Here are owncommunityhavebeen identifyothersfrom thesame es asLGBT. members nd it in a

• • •

There maybetasksonestrongly feels Regardless ofpersonalfeelings,supporting Carve outtimetorefl > > > - Makearrangementstoensure that - Communicatetocolleaguesaboutwhat - Recognizeandhonorpersonalboundaries; - NextSteps/ActionPlan - Areas To More Learn About - KeyAreas forGrowth - IssuesandAreas ofStrength colleagues shouldalways: and safesexpractices.You and/oryour program participantsaboutsexualhealth feel comfortable,forinstance,talkingto uncomfortable performing.Onemaynever are expectedtofulfi Ultimately,US Government. staff members resettlement servicesasmandatedbythe and ispartofproviding culturally-competent LGBT participantsishumanrightswork level bytakingthe [Appendix I].Afterassessingyourcomfort Rainbow Welcome Initiative’s self-assessment with LGBTindividualsbyfi or genderidentity. for allrefugees, regardless ofsexualorientation refugee resettlement workershavean work withthoseprogram participants,butall are more comfortablewithLGBTpersonsto may endupassigningcaseworkerswho practical matter, someresettlement agencies on sexualorientationorgenderidentity. Asa all participantswithoutdiscriminationbased obligations andprovide qualityservicesto t o Considerwhoorwhatyoucan utilizeto Thinkofcreative waystoaddress Justasyoucreate serviceplanswith colleagues asresources. meet yourobjectives.Don’t forgettouse objectives andreach goals. a followupplan. create Realistic/Relevant andTimely), (Specifi your participantsthatare SMART information theyneed. participants stillreceive the servicesand can beexpectedofyou; to understandbetter? What are sometopicsorissuesyouwant Where doyoustruggle? LGBT participants? Where doyouexcelasaprovider to create asafeandwelcomingenvironment c, Measurable,Achievable, quiz, ll theirprofessional ect onyourexperiences evaluatethefollowing: lling outthe obligation

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 11 11 Rainbow Response • • • time andtheopportunitiestoconnectwithparticipantsonanintimatelevel Establishing trustwithparticipantsmaybedifﬁ fears ofdiscriminationandrejection andalsoduetofearsofbreaching conﬁ participant. LGBTparticipantsmaybemore likelytodisengageorwithholdinformation,due Building arelationship based ontrustandcommunicationisimportantwhenworkingwithany Establishing Rapport B. Approaches toCaseManagement a Proactive stepslikethesemustbetakentoassure LGBTrefugees’ comfort,pavingthewayfor

str If providers from different agenciescultivatesimilar safespacesandcommunicatethe Even ifaparticipantdoesnotfeelready toself-identifyasLGBTtheresettlement agency, Written materialsshouldbe madeavailableattheoffi their issueswithanyprovider assistingthem. messages oftrustandconfi agency. delivery, which mayencourageparticipantstodiscloselateron,perhapsanotherservice staff stillhavetheopportunity tosetthetoneandprecedent forrespectful andsensitiveservice on theirowntimeiftheywish. would actinappropriately. visits becausesheisworriedtheparticipant not wanttoconductthemandatoryhome Your colleaguehaseventoldyoushedoes services forwhichtheparticipantiseligible. necessary informationregarding the your colleaguemaynotbesharingallthe with theparticipant.You suspectthat your colleagueisuncomfortableinteracting and from yourobservationssensethat You share anoffi country andspeakthesamelanguage. woman becausetheyare from thesame colleague wasselectedtoworkwiththis working withalesbianparticipant.Your A Case Scenario: ong, cooperative,andcommunicativepartnership. femalecolleagueofyoursiscurrently cewithyourcolleague dentiality, LGBTparticipantswillknow theycansafelydiscuss

cult whenserviceslastforsuchashortperiodof beliefs toimpacttheirserviceprovision. participants equallyandnotallowpersonal work. Staff shouldbeexpected toserveall though. Staff cannotchoosewithwhomthey services). Thisshouldalwaysbealastresort another staff memberandsearch forinterpretive arrangements(assignthe alternative her performanceanddeliveryofservices,make participant andthatitwillindeedlikelyaffect does notfeelcomfortableworkingwiththe your conversationyouﬁ both youremployeeandparticipant.Ifthrough Consider thewaysinwhichyoucansupport or culturalvaluesmaybeaffecting herbehavior. misunderstandings orexplore whatreligious offering heranopportunitytorectify any Talk toyourcolleagueaboutthesituation, andmanagers Supervisors colleague aboutresponsibilities andobligations. positioned tohaveaconversationwithyour Yourto yourconcerns. supervisorisbetter come ﬁ The needsandwellbeingoftheparticipant What youcando:

ce soparticipantscanaccessresources rst. You shouldalertyoursupervisor

nd thestaff member ar dentiality. e limited. case to

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 12 12 Rainbow Response and makingresources developing relationships withLGBTorganizations, by sharingyourknowledgewithcolleagues, you are onyourway!Take thenextstep becoming anally. Justbyreading thismanual, gender identity! regardless ofsexualorientationand/or 4. Treat everyonewithdignityandrespect, their efforts tomakedecisionsindependently. participants feelempowered andsupportedin responsibility tofosteranenvironment where say whatisinitsbestinterest. Itisallies’ should neitherspeakforthecommunity, nor but itisimportanttoremember thatallies advocate onbehalfoftheLGBTcommunity, 3. Follow, Don’t Lead:Alliescanandshould and/or genderidentity, stillapplies. all participants,regardless ofsexualorientation obligation torender services ofequalqualityto not besocialworkers,buttheprofessional the communityyousupportisfi andGrowing:about 1. Learning several stepstobecominganeffective ally: done inanumberofways.Outlinedbeloware opportunity tobe‘active’alliesandthiscan supporting them.Serviceproviders havethe orientation and/orgenderidentityorbyactively individuals justbyacceptingtheirsexual not amember. OnecanbeanallytoLGBT advocates foracommunityofwhichs/heis An allyissomeonewhosupportsand/or Being anAlly responsibly.” Resettlementstaff may and professional valuesand dealwiththem be aware ofanyconfl beliefs andpractices.[Social personal valuesandculturalreligious of decision making workers [to]beaware ofthe impactonethical Social Workers’ codeofethics callsfor“Social of and challengethem.TheNationalAssociation ourselves how allies, wemustrefl all tohavebiasesandprejudices. To beeffective factors.Itisnaturalforus by somanyexternal world where ourviewsandvaluesare shaped 2. Confronting PersonalBiases:We liveina we

came ect onthesebiases,ask their between icts available clients’andtheirown tohavethesefeelings, workers]should inyourofﬁ personal rst stepin or may ce.

as anally? How wouldyouapproachthissituation Instead ofmakingachoiceforhim,yougently Doyouadvisehimtoremain closeted? Doyouencouragehimtocomeout?“You plan ofaction. support youcanoffer based ontheparticipant’s informed choiceofhisown.Determinewhat This willempowertheparticipanttomakean pros andconstoeachpossible decision. Conduct ariskassessment,weighingthe talk tohimaboutpotentialrepercussions. shelter elsewhere. youwillnotbeabletoﬁ concerned in have thefundstosupporthimandresources out ofthehouse.Your agencydoesnot orientation tohisparents, theywillkickhim You are afraidthatifhediscloseshissexual be afraid!You haverights!” live intheUnitedStatesnow, noreason to best friendandnowyou. and friendsatschool;hehasonlytoldhis his sexualorientationsecret from hisfamily He ishavingaverydif on availableservicesforLGBT you thatheisgayandasksforinformation to youonedayafterschoolalone.Hetells his parents andtwo An Iraqiteenageboy, whoresettled with Case Scenario: the surrounding area are limited;youare

younger ﬁ culttimekeeping sisters,comes individuals. nd him

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 13 challenging oftimes. them getthroughthemost the supportavailablecanhelp resilience andstrength, Reminding themoftheir resettling intheUnitedStates. face manyobstacleswhen LGBT 13 Rainbow Response refugeesandasylees their activeinvolvementastheysuccessfully Strengths-based casemanagementisanapproach used toempowerparticipantsandfacilitate Strengths-Based CaseManagement • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Personality Traits andCharacteristics STRENGTHS CANBE: People andSupportSystems Skills resources isanongoingprocess, astheycanchangeanddevelopovertime. that willhelpthem and participantstoidentifyhighlightthestrengths andassetsparticipantspossess,strengths resources theyhaveattheir result, theymaysuffer from poorself-esteem,making refugees andasyleesoftenremain isolated refugees are ableandresilient individuals,thoughtheyare oftenportrayedasvictims.

Do theyhaveconnectionstoandsupport Do theyhavefriendswhoalsobeen Do theyhavefamilywhoissupportiveof Are theycomfortablespeaking tolarge Are theyresourceful? What istheireducationbackground? Do theyhavetheabilitytospeakmultiple Point outthecourageandresilience they Are theyadaptabletodifferent environments Are theyfocused? Are theyhard-working? Are theyoptimistic? Do theyhaveathirstforknowledge? Are participantsmotivatedtoworktowards from theLGBTcommunity? resettled? gender them andtheirsexualorientationand/or groups ofpeople? languages? surroundings fornewopportunities. possess tobeableleavetheirfamiliar and situations? meeting goals? identity? succeedintheirnewcommunities.Taking time allows disposal.Strengths-based casemanagement anddiscriminatedagainstwhenarrivingin

process. movethrough theculturaladjustment • • • • • • • situation by: You canhelpparticipantsreframea perspectives. helping topositivelyshapeparticipants’ providers reframe challengingcircumstances, strengths.as identifyinternal Bydoingso, participants secureresources external aswell Providers haveanopportunitytohelpLGBT Resources

Have theyutilizedLGBTservicesand Do theyutilizetheresettlement agencyand Do theyhaveanyeconomicresources? Assisting participantsimaginepossibilities Helping participantsconsideroptionsthatare Assuring participantsthattheyhavesupport Reminding participantsthattheadversity programs? its resources? what theywouldwanttotry. and theirvisionofthefuture. Askparticipants available totheminthepresent. seeing themsucceed! at theagency;peopleare dedicated to obstacles but thepowertorespond to andovercome they experiencemaybeoutoftheircontrol, it particularlydifﬁ is intheirhands. toexaminestrengths and cult forthem serviceproviders the to identify LGBT US.Asa

Most

the 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 14 14 Rainbow Response Suggested responsesinclude: conversation andthatyoucare. from knowingthatyouare investedinthe to theirstatements.Participantswillbenefi their couragebyacknowledgingandresponding that isdiffi Participants maydivulgeverypersonalinformation ACTIVE LISTENING: There are anumberofwaystosignalsupportparticipant. Here are someexamples: Communication Skills • • • • • • Affi possible participantsare lessinterested inrelaying factstoyouthaninsharingtheirstories. to clarifymayonlyupsetordisorientthem.Again,usediscretion whenaskingquestions;itis different times.Whilethiscanmakeithard tounderstandthechronology ofevents,askingthem recount storiesinalinearfashion. Instead,theirstoriesmightjumpbackandforthbetween the clientdirectly. moving outfrom behindthe deskandfacing conversation, especiallyasensitiveone,by conversation. Itisoftenpreferable tohavea you are notinterested orengagedinthe one’s armswhiletalkingsendsasignalthat a computerscreen forexample) or positioning. Facingawayfrom aclient(toward not beappropriate. Watch bodylanguageand words, especiallywhenverbal exchangemay contact isagreat waytoaffi Nodding yourheadandengagingindirect eye Because LGBT C B Asking questions,ifappropriate, cansignalthatyouare activelyengagedinthediscussion. Clarifying A

fﬁ eing sensitive “Is thiswhat “When didthishappen?” “And whatdoesthatmean?Canyouexplainfurther?” “I heard yousay…Isthere more?” “I’m sure thatwasnoteasyforyouto “Thank youfortrustingmewiththis larifying talk about.” information.” rming rming cult forthemtoshare. Recognize

youmean?” participantsare more likelytobesurvivorsoftorture andtrauma,theymaynot It’s aseasyas…

rm participants’ cr ossing t

• • emotions withoutmakingpromises. feelings. Instead,focusonvalidatingtheir unintentionally delegitimizeparticipants’ you don’t havetoworryanymore,” may “All willbebetterhere inthe UnitedStates, Statements like,“Well, it’s allokaynow,” or Sample responsesinclude: registering theirstatementsand to whattheyare your participantsknowthatyouare listening trigger agreat dealofpain,soitisimportant They mayreference pastexperiencesthatstill so followtheirleadastheydirect discussions. them from engaginginfuture conversations, what theyare comfortablewithwillinhibit Pushing yourparticipantstoshare more than Being Sensitive

“I canonlyimaginehowhard thatwasforyou.” “I am sorryyouexperiencedthat.” saying andthatyouare

emotions. 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 15 15 Rainbow Response • Remember, sexualorientationandgenderidentityare justfacetsofanindividualandthere is more Rainbow Welcome Thanks, • As youcontinueproviding services,re • Discussavailableservicesinthearea forLGBT • Ask iftheyhaveanysafetyconcerns • Tell themyouandyourcolleaguesare here tosupportthem • Assure themthatyouwillprotect theircon • Thankthemforconﬁ can dothefollowing: situations. Inthefuture, ifparticipantsshare withyoutheirsexualorientationorgenderidentity, you time aparticipanthasdisclosed conﬁ to disclosehersexualorientationyou;takethisasagoodsign!You haveearnedhertrustand to considerwhointhissituationexperienceddiscomfort.Your participantwascomfortableenough Thanks forwritingin.You obviouslycare aboutsupportingthoseyouworkwith.Itwillbeproductive Dear AIT, Ally inTraining this situation? feel uncomfortablesoIjustglossedoveritandchangedthesubject. What shouldIhavedonein My participantcameouttomeasalesbianandIdidn’t knowwhattosay. Ididn’t wanttomakeher Dear Rainbow Welcome, • • • By fosteringaninclusiveworkspace: harassment iftheydisclose. based onpastexperiences,thattheywillbemetwithhostilityand support totheLGBTcommunity, LGBTparticipants willlikelyassume, persecution anddiscrimination.Iforganizationsdonotactivelysignal gender identitytoresettlement staff. Thisisoftenoutoffearcontinued LGBT refugees andasyleesrarely disclosetheirsexualorientationand/or How doesthisaffect services?Whatimpactwillthishaveonparticipants? What doesitmeanforanagencytobeinclusiveofLGBTparticipants? C. CultivatinganInclusiveEnvironment

to eachpersonthan participants mayimpactcore servicedelivery Participants willbemore communicative Staff canbuildstronger relationships with LGBT refugees andasyleeswillfeelmore identity; the necessarysupport; about theirneeds,allowingyoutoprovide participants; to theirsexualorientationand/orgender comfortable sharinginformationinregards dence.Try tounderstandwhataboutthesituationmayhavemadeyounervous.Isthis

their dinginyou beingLGBT this kindofinformationtoyou?Itisnaturalbenervousinnew ﬂ

ectonhowthesexualorientation/genderidentityof ﬁ dentiality

individuals • •

Colleagues whoidentifyasLGBTwillfeel Participants ofallbackgrounds willlearn more comfortableintheworkplace. contributions theymaketosociety; more aboutLGBTindividualsandthe

ﬁ rst 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 16 16 Rainbow Response Sensitive CaseManager gay, orbisexual,canIask? prefer? Also, ifIthinkaparticipantislesbian, comes throughmydoorwhatpronounsthey participants. ButhowcanIaskeveryonewho I don’t wanttoassumethegenderidentityof Dear Rainbow Welcome, identity. of participants’sexualorientationorgender use) cansuggesteitherapproval ordisapproval intend toornot,thewords weuse(ordon’t them from accessingservices.Whetherwe signal supporttoLGBTparticipantsordiscourage Through language,wehavetheopportunityto Language choiceandusage: more inclusive? How canImakemyworkspace

the have developedastrong enoughrapportwith If youbelieveaparticipantisLGBT disclose theirsexualorientation/genderidentity. • Someparticipantsmaybeoffendedbysuch • Manyrefugees andasyleeswillbeunfamiliar be themostappropriate oreffectiveapproach. identity/sexual orientationofparticipantsmaynot think aboutwhydirectly askingaboutthegender not correspond tohowtheyidentify. Still,let’s participants express/present theirgendermay assume theirsexualorientation.Thewayinwhich offering servicestoLGBT across thisbrochure theotherdayofanorganization Instead ofaskingoutright,youcansay, “Icame using discretion astowhetherthisisappropriate. the subjectinadiscrete andsensitivemanner, marking theof experiencing discomfortorpressure whilestill any participant(whetherLGBT support insubtle,unobtrusiveways.Thisprevents This manualofferstipsforhowtodemonstrate • Eveniftheparticipantidenti the genderidentityofparticipants,norcan You’re absolutelyrightthatwecannotassume Dear SCM, Rainbow Welcome Thanks, can meetwithyouprivatelyandcon coming toyouwithanyquestionsandthatthey participants thattheyshouldfeelcomfortable something youmightbeinterested in?”Remind especially delicate the riskofjeopardizing yourrapport,whichis this questionisstandard procedure, youstillrun questions. Whileyoucouldexplainthatasking discussions are more appropriate. settings (e.g.culturalorientation)where such sexual andgenderidentities,there maybeother opportunity toeducateparticipantsondiverse with suchconcepts.Whilethiscouldofferan information uponarrival. s/he maynotfeelcomfortablesharingthis forceful manner. information inwhatmightappeartobea of yourparticipantsthantrytogathersensitive important thatyouearnandestablishthetrust individual, ﬁ youmay to ceasasafespaceforindividuals when ﬁ ndawaytoapproach individuals.Isthis

fi rstmeeting.Itismore fi esasLGBT, ornot)from andyou fi dentially. we

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 17 17 Initiative’s recommendations. review Rainbow Welcome support theparticipant. Then might taketointerveneand colleagues onwhatstepsyou Brainstorm withyour Rainbow Response • Remember, staffIt setthetoneatorganization. • Asserviceproviders andparticipantsgrow closer, itisnotuncommontoinquire about General word choice: orientation andgenderidentity. Staff and Refugee resettlement agenciesare richwithdiversity, participantsspanningtheentire globe. sentiment isnottoleratedattheagency. Encouragealltorespect andappreciate differences. a disparagingremark againstLGBTindividuals,politelyremind her/himthatsuchlanguageand opinions thatare biasedanddiscriminatory. Whetheracolleagueoranotherparticipantmakes not toassumethegenderwhichparticipantsare attracted. if theyhavehada‘partner;’avoidusingthetermsboyfriend/girlfriendorhusband/wife,soas personal relationships. Whenaskingparticipantsabouttheirrelationship statusorhistory, ask The entire group eruptsinlaughter. snicker, makingimitativefemininegestures. handful ofESL woman, arrivesattheof cooler. A participants gatherinthelobbybywater On break from anESL Case Scenario: participants newparticipant,atransgender studentsbegintolaughand mustextendrespect heldforculturaldifferences todifferences insexual classintheofﬁ ﬁ ceforintake. A ce,

• • • identifying uncomfortable withamale-bodiedindividual laughing becausetheyare unfamiliaror Understand thattheparticipantsmaybe What youcando: tolerated attheagency: such harassmentanddiscriminationisnot but ﬁ feel liketheyare beingharassed. they shouldinformastaff member iftheyever of anykind.Letyourparticipantsknowthat is azero tolerancepolicyagainst discrimination supportive environment for allandthatthere agency doesitsbesttocultivateasafeand Assure transgenderparticipants thatyour isimportanttoconfront commentsor

“We welcomeeveryonewho walksthrough “That isnothowwetreat other participants “Such behaviorwillnotbetolerated.” these doors.” here.” rmly, speaktoparticipantsabouthow and presenting asawoman.Politely, 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 18 18 Rainbow Response • • • • • Restrooms of pronouns Transgender personsandtheuse The physicalspaceofanofﬁ Physical Environment: the agency. more pressing tomakecertainthattheyfeeltheirphysicalsafetyandwellbeingisassured at Considering LGBTrefugees’ andasylees’experiencesinhostileenvironments, itbecomeseven

If transgenderparticipantsfeelcomfortable Transgender individuals are oftenconcerned You mayhaveparticipantswhotransition The safestwaytoknowwhichpronouns If yourparticipantistransgender, itisimportant their willfurtherstigmatizesand isolatesthem. restroomthem touseanalternative against as, theyshouldbeabletodoso. Forcing using therestroom forthegendertheyidentify respond violently. may feeluncomfortableandcouldpotentially identify as,non-transgenderparticipants restroom designated transgender participantswere tousea to useastaff restroom ifthere isone.If transgender individualsshouldbeallowed If onedoesnotexistatyouragency, comfortable inasingleoccupancyrestroom. Transgender participantsmayfeelmost advance, consciousoftheirlimitedoptions. many willplanouttheirentire daysin about whichrestroom theycanusesafely; expression. will knowyourespect her/his identityand yourself whenyouslip,yourparticipant conscious effort ofremembering, andcorrect you mayrevert to by adifferent name.Itisunderstandablethat time foryoutoadjustcallingyourparticipant during theirresettlement period.Itmaytake is okaytoask. of yourparticipantsandremember thatit chose topresent themselves.Take thecues on howtheyfeelthatdayand different pronouns beuseddepending also possiblethatparticipantswillrequest ‘her’ attheofﬁ comfortable beingreferred toas‘she’and Perhaps atransgenderwomanfeels a transgenderindividualprefers isbyasking. conversations. when referring tohim,in male, youwanttousemasculinepronouns femalebutidentiﬁ participant wasborn or hisgenderidentity. Forexample,ifyour to usethepronouns thatcorrespond toher in conversations. Aslongasyoumakea

ce, butnotinpublic.Itis her/his for thegenderthey paperwork previous name ce canenhanceordetractfrom participants’senseofbelonging.

andin

es as

• • • • • be accepted. staff andparticipantsthatintolerance willnot are andbethemselves.Italso indicatestoall space where theycanopenly share whothey individuals letLGBTparticipantsknowthisisa Tangible markersthatsignalsupporttoLGBT Physical markers other documentsgenderinclusive? when theyfi Think aboutallthepaperworkparticipantssign to demonstratesupportLGBTparticipants. Offi Offi

Bear inmindthatwhentranslatingdocuments, Participants’ legaldocumentationmaynot If youaskforthegenderofaparticipant, Display brochures from localLGBT Put arainbowfl LGBT community. fl how youmightgetaround this. or ‘intersex.’Speakwithinterpreters about language thatcorresponds to‘transgender’ there maynotbeaword intheparticipant’s partyaboutwhichnametheyprefer.external may feelmore comfortableifyouinformthe name theywishtobecalled.Your participant to legal documentsbutshouldstillfeelfree appointments, theywillneedtopresent their to explainparticipantsthatatoffi align withtheirpreferred name.Itisimportant can includeMale,Female,andTransgender. in organizations While originatingintheWest, different countries. ag isagloballyrecognized symbolofthe ce documentspresent anotheropportunity cial documents: tell withwhomevertheyare meetingthe rst arrive.Are intakeformsand ag upalongsidefl yourlobbyandoffi

the ags of rainbow ces.

cial

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 19 19 Rainbow Response • • • The fearoftheirsexual Confi D. EnsuringConfi they donotfeelcomfortableaddressing whileothersare present. into theoffi with anindividual,familymembersare alsoaround. Affording participantsanopportunitytocome safe setting.Establishopenoffi practice tofi Because youmaynotknowaparticipantwantstodiscusssensitive subjects,makeitcommon from thesameethnicornationalcommunity. identity ortalkingaboutsensitiveissuesifotherindividualsare intheroom, especiallyiftheyare participants. Participantsmaynotfeelcomfortabledisclosing theirsexualorientationorgender providers mayshare quarterswithothercolleagueswhomightsimultaneouslybemeeting sensitive conversationswithaparticipant?Duetolackofspace, caseworkersandotherservice Think abouthowyouroffi personal information. privacy willmakethemmore comfortabletrustingyouandsharing to participantsthevalueyouandyouragencyputonprotecting their when workingwithmultiplemembersofthesamefamily. Demonstrating agencies mustbeacutelysensitivetotheneedpreserve confi their sexualorientationorgenderidentitytofamilymembersandresettlement sensitive nature oftheseissues.LGBTrefugees oftenhavenotdisclosed United States,providers musthonortheirfeelingsandappreciate the torture. Whilerepercussions suchastheseare notlikelytooccurinthe trust andconfi by hostileindividualsisveryreal; manyhaveexperiencedbreaches of

Confi Participants andstaff should allbefamiliar Every organizationshouldhaveaconfi frequently andstrictlyenforced. with theorganization’s confi integrated intheexistingpolicy. as grounds ofprotection, worktohavethese both sexualorientationandgenderidentity to create one.Ifthepolicydoes notinclude work withstaff andtheorganization’s board out ifoneexists.Ifapolicyisnotyetinplace, policy. Check withyourcolleaguestofi amongLGBTrefugeesdentiality isacommonconcern andasylees. dentiality policiesshouldbereviewed ce aloneandunaccompanied byfriendsorfamilymayallowthemtodiscussissues nd anopportunityto meetwithparticipantsonanindividualbasisinasecure and dentiality inthepast,whichoftenledtoarrest, abuse,and dentiality ce issetup.Isthere aroom ordesignatedspaceforyoutohave dentiality policy. orientation ce hourstomeet dentiality nd orgenderidentitybeingdiscovered

with • • •

Organizations shouldhavearelease of If participantsareaboutsharing concerned If participantsareaboutinformation concerned identity notbeshared. to theirsexualorientationand/orgender services iftheyrequest information pertaining participants thattheywillnotbedenied relatives). Caseworkersshould informLGBT other include information withthird parties, whichmay information formthatisusedforsharing information available. to provide betterservicesif theyhaveallthe conﬁ that otheragenciesyouworkwithalsohave providers,information toexternal explain are alsomandatedtomaintain conﬁ explain thatallinterpreters sign acontractand leaking tothelargerrefugee communities, public agencies,and participants.Perhapswheneveryoumeet dentiality policiesandtheywillbeable organizations,serviceproviders, individuals dentiality (including dentiality.

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 20 20 your choice.” or anotherpublicsettingof available tomeetattheof time tobrie water fountainaffords enough For example,justawalktothe confi with youthparticipantsina as tohowyoucantouchbase independently.creatively Think you requesttimewiththem come totheof be suspicious,iftheirchildren not feelcomfortable,orwill primary clients.Parentsmay participants, whoarenotthe when workingwithyouth individuals aloneiscomplicated Finding timetospeak Considerations for need to people intheroom.Ifyouever to talkwhentherearesomany school? Iknowitmightbehard how arethingsgoing?How’s Rainbow Response dential setting. talk fl privately, Iam y checkin.“Hey, fi ce aloneorif Youth fi ce

orientation orgenderidentityoftherefugee. is selectedtoprovide interpretive servicesregardless ofwhetheryouknowthesexual meetings. To assure LGBTparticipants’comfortandconﬁ • Non-English-proﬁ Interpretive services •

Employing telephonicinterpretive services Friends andrelatives, whileoftenmost organization through theirextensivenetwork. Ifyour resource inidentifyingvolunteerinterpreters individuals. PFLAGmayserveasanexcellent and friendsfamilymembersofLGBT providing supporttotheLGBT community and Gays(PFLAG)isanationalorganization Parents, Family, andFriendsofLesbians There are othercost-effective alternatives. an optionforyourorganizationtopursue. and anonymity. maybetooexpensive This participant ahigherlevelofconfi is encouragedbecauseitprovides the the participantthatinformationisconfi prefaced withtheinterpreter explicitlyinforming act asinterpreters, besure eachsessionis and there isnootheroptionbutforthemto to beentrenched inthe employs individualswhoare orare perceived will stillbeleakedtoothers.Ifyouragency or arethatinformationshared concerned may eithernotbeaware ofsucharrangements agreement withtheseindividuals,participants your agencymayhavesignedaconfi to beconsidered assafetodiscloseto.While too connectedwithintherefugee community personal tiestoagivenindividualmaystillbe or current participantswhodonothave participants from sharinginformation.Former convenient touseasinterpreters, mayinhibit members present. to discussprivatematterswithoutfamily time usinganoutsideinterpreter iftheywish they canrequest privateconsultation atany informing refugees duringorientation that telephonic interpretation may alsoconsider agencies thatcannotroutinely afford refugee community. Refugeeresettlement when identifyinginterpreters outsidethe you canalsoreach outtostudents oncampus is nearacollegeoruniversity, cient participantsrequire interpretive servicesduringappointmentsand

r efugee community dentiality dentiality dential.

•

All interpreters, regardless ofbackground communicate concepts important interpreters are abletostilleffectively vocabulary forvariousLGBTterms.Itis Some languagesmaynothavecorresponding interpretive servicessensitivetoallparticipants. policies andbestpracticesforrendering with agencystaff toreview conﬁ and experience,shouldundergotraining derogatory totheparticipant. never usetermsthatmaybeviewedas lacking. Interpreters shouldalsoknowto dentiality, thinkcarefully aboutwho if terminologyis dentiality

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 21 21 Rainbow Response • Additional Considerations • •

Typically, caseworkersare assignedto Confi If anagencyhasmultipleLGBTparticipants, of origin. with astaff memberfrom thesamecountry ask whethertheyfeelcomfortableworking For English-speakingLGBTparticipants, participants basedonshared nationalorigin. and lossoftrust. result intheparticipant’s senseofbetrayal harm mayresult). Failingtodosocould to him/herselforothers,andifimmediate confi information theydisclosemaynotremain participants underwhatcircumstances their communities. or artifi the refugee—agencies shouldnotsegregate their owncommunities,thisisthechoiceof refugees maydecidetokeepdistancefrom services toLGBTindividuals.Although be comfortableproviding thesamelevelof knowing. Additionally, allagencystaff should comfortable with identify LGBT might increase otherparticipants’abilityto assigned toworkwithallofthem.This it isbesttonothaveasinglecasemanager dential (e.g.if dentiality isneverabsolute.Inform cially isolateLGBTrefugees from individuals,whomaynotfeel communitymembers a participantisadanger

Rainbow Welcome Thanks, them todiscussandprocess theirconcerns. individuals inrespect tocon participants onthelegalrightsafforded to be more equippedtomeettheirneeds.Inform orientation and/orgenderidentity, theywill providers are informedaboutparticipants’ about howserviceswillbeimpacted.Ifotherservice participant todiscloseothers,haveaconversation s/he might this informationcon Although youare Dear CC, Considering Confi that isdeliveringservices,likethehealthclinic? with acolleague? What aboutwithathirdparty breaching con LGBT I realizemaintainingthecon Dear Rainbow Welcome, you incon if aparticipantdisclosesher/hisLGBT related tosafetyoressentialservices.Rather, there isanimmediateandcompellingreason your client’s request forcon working withinyouragency, youshouldrespect made initialcontact.Whileyou and individualswithwhomthey may havenot the agencysharinginformationwithorganizations participants maybeparticularlyconcernedabout signed priortosharinginformation.LGBT participant, youmustgetaReleaseofInformation to third partiesinvolvedintheresettlement ofthe participantsisreallyimportant. Am I benefi fi dence,haveaconversationaboutwhy fi dentiality ifIshareinformation tfrom othersknowing.Inregards not dentiality fi dentialfrom otherindividuals legallyobligatedtokeep fi fi dentialityunless fi dentialityandallow dentiality of cannot force your statusto sexual

even

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 22 22 Rainbow Response board memberstoestablishthem. currently havethefollowingpoliciesinplace,workwithcolleaguesand and protections ofLGBTparticipants.Ifyourorganizationdoesnot policy, there are otherpoliciesequallysignifi In additiontohavingaclearlystatedandwell-enforced confi E. AdditionalOrganizationalPolicies • • • • • sense ofsecurity. signifi Knowing theyhaverightsandprotections will had nolegalorsocialrecourse totakeaction. discrimination intheircountriesoforiginand Many LGBTrefugees andasyleesexperienced to advocateforthemselveswhennecessary. more comfortableandempowerthem rights whilereceiving serviceswillmakethem of thisthough;communicatingtothemtheir in effect. Participantsmayornotbeaware Your agencylikelyhasadiscriminationpolicy Discrimination

Whenever possible,translatethepolicyinto The discriminationpolicyshouldbepostedin Ensure thediscriminationpolicy protects Be sure bothsexualorientation andgender Discuss thediscriminationpolicyduringinitial the languageofparticipants. a high-traffi both identity are includedasprotected groups. intake andthenagainduringorientation. incident, theopportunitytostrengthen andimprove accessandqualityofservicesemerges. to voicehisfeelingsandcommunicateeithercaseworkeror anotherstaffmemberaboutthis grievance policycouldaddress andresolve thebreakdown ofcommunication.IfE.isempowered because hefeelsunwelcome.Thisisaninstanceinwhichawell-enforced andclearlystated uncomfortable. E.ishurtandwantstofeelincluded;hehasfewfriends andlimited Mostly familiesparticipateandthecaseworkerthoughtE.,asasingle gayman,wouldonlyfeel E. wasnevertoldabouttheseeventsbecausehiscaseworkerassumed hewouldnotbeinterested. refugees onamonthlybasis.Thefemaleparticipantinquires astowhyE.hasneverparticipated. gay Iraqimale,E.,learnsthattheresettlement agencyofferssocialactivitiesfornewlyarrived After speakingwithafemaleparticipantwhoresettled withherhusbandandchildren, asingle Case Scenario: to cantly impacttheircomfortleveland interactwithothers.Heisnowreluctant tovisittheof participants c area oftheoffi andstaff. ce. not beaware ofitsexistence. grievance policy, staff andparticipantsmay While yourworkplacemayhaveinstateda or discomfortwithmembersofyourteam. the opportunitytoexpress theirdisappointment and asyleeshaveavoice,ensuringthey policy tofollow. Itisimportantthatrefugees occur, eachworkplaceshouldhaveagrievance had attheoffi uncomfortable withtheinteractionstheyhave are unhappywiththeservicesprovided orare There maybeinstanceswhenparticipants Grievance to beheard. services andachanceforparticipants’voices opportunity forgrowth—a way toimprove grievance policycanthenbeviewedasan exclude oroffend aparticipant. Utilizinga It ispossibleacaseworkerwillunintentionally services thatfallunderyouragency’s mandate. are notbeingoffered wheninfacttheseare not believes s/heiseligibleforcertainservicesthat staff andparticipants.Perhaps aparticipant or misunderstandingsmayoccurbetween a saferenvironment forall. Miscommunication any misunderstandingsandwillultimatelycreate A grievancepolicywillhelpidentifyandrectify fi cant ceforservicesandEnglishclasses to

ce. Forwhenthesesituations ensuringtherights dentiality opportunities

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 23 23 following andupholdingthem. everyone’s investmentin raise awareness,butwillincrease participants; notonlywillthis to reviewthemwithstaff and should setaspeci place arepracticed,managers To ensurethatthepoliciesin Putting PoliciesintoPractice: Rainbow Response ﬁ c schedule

refusal ofstaff torefer toparticipantsbytheirpreferred nameorgenderpronoun. the agencywilltakecorrective actiontoanyoffending behavior. Harassmentmayalsoinclude state thatharassmentbasedongenderidentityandsexualorientationisunacceptable participants, andbetweenparticipantsiftheytakeplaceonoffi The policyshouldcoverinteractionsbetweenstaff members,betweenstaff membersand Be sure sexualandotherformsofharassmentare addressed inyourorganization’s policies. Sexual andOtherUnlawfulHarassment Agency PoliciesandProcedures Check off theitemsthatyouragencyhasaccomplished. This checklistismeanttoguideyouasevaluateyouragency’s (Adapted from GilGerald&Associates,Inc.Copyright2011) LGBT InclusiveServicesCheckList Staff Training andConduct Policyandprocedure inplaceforparticipants Staff istrainedonhowtointervene when Allstaff treat LGBTparticipantswithrespect Staff receives basicsensitivityandcultural Participantssignarelease ofinformation MissionstatementisinclusiveofLGBT Non-discriminationpolicyorhumanrights Non-discriminationpolicyorhumanrights individuals a discriminatorymannertoward LGBT use derogatory languageand/or actin participants and/orotherstaff members their identities by honoringconfi trainings/staff development sessions LGBT issuesare includedin otherdiversity awareness trainingonLGBT issuesand/or want todiscloseorremain confi sexual orientationandgenderidentity, they on thisformwhatinformation,including another party. Participantscanclearlystate (ROI) formiftheirinformationwillbegivento and staff forgrievanceissues excluded bycurrent missionstatement?) individuals (wouldLGBTfeel statement thatincludesgenderidentity statement thatincludessexualorientation dentiality andrespecting dential.

Visibility ofLGBTPeopleandIssues Forms andAssessments Inclusive Language Resources Physical Space ServiceplansincludeLGBTneedsifapplicable Agencywideforms(suchasintakepaperwork) OpenlyLGBTpeopleonstaff Available servicesforLGBTindividualsare Formalreferral mechanismsandpartnerships Resources andreferrals are inclusiveof Restroom facilityisgender-neutral Meetingroom spaceallows forprivacyand Postersand/orothersymbolssignifying Pamphletsandbrochures specifi Website refl Marketingmaterialsrefl Non-discriminationpolicy(withLGBT OpenlyLGBTpeopleonboard ofdirectors sexual orientationand/orgenderidentity participants, regardless ofreal orperceived made knownduringintakesessionsforall services are available use inclusivelanguageforLGBTindividuals established with LGBTorientedorganizationsare LGBT individualsandsensitivetotheirneeds maintenance ofconfi LGBT supportare prominent participants andLGBT-friendly services inclusion) displayed ce grounds. Thepolicyshould ects LGBT-friendly services level

ofLGBTinclusiveness. dentiality forparticipants ect agency’s LGBT c toLGBT

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 24 24 Rainbow Response be takenifsuchsituationswere toarise. action ifabuseissuspected.Reviewthefollowingcasescenariosandconsiderwhatstepscould No onedeservesabuse.Asserviceproviders, beattentivetoparticipantsandtakeappropriate consider issuesaffecting thephysicalsafetyofthiscommunity. When workingtocreate asafespaceforLGBTrefugees/asylees, F. PhysicalSafetyConcerns abuse issomehowherorhisfault. feel isolatedandafraid,convincedthatthe domestic violence.Theabusedpartnermay sex relationship andshame associatedwith discrimination—prejudice against theirsame- reluctant toreport duetocompounded couples (25%).LGBTindividualsmaybe but occursatthesamerateasheterosexual under recognized intheLGBT community Domestic one’s partner. is usedtomaintaincontrol andpowerover Abuse oftenoccursinacyclicalfashionand religion, culture, gender, orsexualorientation. occur inanyrelationship regardless ofrace, controlling Domesticviolencecan patterns. abuse, isolationfrom others,andother verbal abuse.Otherformsinclude:economic or aspersistentsevere emotionaland/or manifest itselfasphysicalorsexualviolence, partner forresisting theircontrol. Thismay of theotherintimatepartner, ortopunishtheir seeks tocontrol thethoughts,beliefs,orconduct Domestic violenceiswhenoneintimatepartner Domestic violence violence isunderreported and

• • • • • LGBT refugees andasylees: of domesticandfamilyviolenceamong Factors thatcontributetounderreporting

LGBT refugees andasylees mayalsofail They havefewersources ofsupportand LGBT refugees andasyleesmaynothave Male victimsespeciallyare reluctant toreport Authorities oftenassumethatabusein his partnerifs/hewere toreport. cases, theabuserwillthreaten to‘out’her/ immigration statuswillbeaffected; inother to reportthattheir abuseoutofconcern LGBT individuals. shelters alsohavelimitedresources for members forguidance;domesticviolence tofamilyorcommunity often cannotturn to report incidents. the cannot suffer abusefrom theirpartners. because ofthemisguidednotionthatmales same-sex couplesismutual. linguistic capacityorknowledgeofrights

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 25 Initiative’s recommendations. review Rainbow Welcome support theparticipant. Then might taketointerveneand colleagues onwhatstepsyou Brainstorm withyour 25 Rainbow Response managers, andlegalstaff ifpossible. situation, includingmentalhealthprofessionals, sure totakeateam-basedapproach tothis a supervisorofyoursuspicionsandmake collectively determineaplanofaction.Notify risk assessment[AppendixIV]withM.and and askingaboutthebruises.Conducta should confront M.,expressing yourconcern In asafeandconﬁ What youcando: the organization’s policesandprocedures. supervisor ofthesituationathand.You maybeamandatedreporter sofamiliarizeyourselfwith action isinappropriate and potentiallydangerous. Afterconductingariskassessment,informyour them. Unlessyouare acertiﬁ You maybeinclined tomeetwithbothM.andtheoldermanmediatebetweentwoof M. isamaleMiddleEasternasyleewhomovedin Case Scenario: older manmightindicateariskthathecouldrespond physically. and askingforinformation.M complains large role inhislife,advisinghimtotake or reject jobinterviews, contacting resettlement workers, You don’t knowiftheasyleeisgayornot,butyouthinkhemightbe.Theoldermanseemstohavea whom helives,andyoualsoworrythatM’s increasingly violentlanguagewhen suspect thatMisavictimofdomesticviolence.M.larger andstronger thantheoldermanwith back. Recently, Mhascometolanguageclasseswithbruising,andisinattentivetroubled. You that hefeelslike should dential setting,you moveout.Hiscaseworkershave ed mentalhealthprofessional andthisfacilitationisrequested, such about this

with occasionallyandhasmentionedseveraltimes render M.deportable. reporting. Chargesofphysical assaultcould violence orhomicidetriggersmandatory with asupervisor;imminentriskofsevere would faceifviolenceoccurs.Checkimmediately need toinformhimoftherepercussions he If youbelieveM.mightresort toviolence, 3. Istheolderman’s safetyatrisk? experiencing anemergency. and allowsyoutoassesswhetherM.is chance toreﬂ Asking thisquestiongivestheparticipanta forhisownsafety? 2. IsM.concerned of abuse. and themosteffective ways toendthecycle ofdomesticviolence can explainthepatterns If M.isinclinedtostayintheapartment,you protection rights,aswellavailableservices. that participantsare aware oftheirlegaland the responsibility ofserviceproviders toensure to decideforthemselvesaplanofaction.Itis answer him tomoveoutoftheapartmentisnot While youcanpresent optionstoM.,forcing 1. DoesM.wanttomoveout? QUESTIONS TOCONSIDER: anolderman, supportedhiminthis,butMkeepsgoing . Survivorsofdomesticviolenceneed ect onthedangerheisfacing who isassistinghimﬁ r eferring tothe

nancially.

you

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 26 26 Rainbow Response students mightassumeotherwise. may notidentifyasLGBTbutAmerican grow theirhairoutandwearnailpolish.They For instance,Bhutaneseyouthsometimes harassed fortheir non-conforming mayalsobetargetedand individuals. Refugeeyouthwhoare gender discrimination, asrefugees, andasLGBT LGBT refugee youthfacecompounded heterosexual counterparts. more likelytoattemptsuicidethantheir of straightteenagersandare three times drop outofschoolataratethree timesthat nowhere forsupport.LGBTteens toturn year, manyofwhomfeelasiftheyhave experience aphysicalthreat duringtheschool 26 timeseachday. Athird ofLGBTteens high schoolshearanti-gayslursonaverage Studies estimatethatLGBTteensinUS and harassmentatschoolonadailybasis. LGBT teenagersexperiencediscrimination Teen bullyingandviolence against youth

per ceived sexualorientation.

• • TIPS TODISCUSSINGBULLYING WITHTEENS: not poseanadditionalsecurityrisk. encourage parents’ involvement iftheydo colleagues asyouplanaresponse. Also a notify is concerned, Whenever thephysical feel asifyouneedtomakedecisionsalone. should betakenextremely seriously. Donot Bullying school tobemadeaware of bullyingincidents. or teachergetsinvolved,itisimportantforthe necessary. Whether anadministrator, counselor, ofﬁ abuse continue.Whenreaching outtoschool are abouttherisksofletting concerned experience onhowtoaddress it,andthatyou common problem, schools shouldhave However, also explainthatbullyingisa that youhaveunderstoodhis/herconcern. Listen carefully totheseobjections,andafﬁ and publicshamingifauthoritiesgetinvolved. that theywillbesubjecttoevenmore abuse veryoftenfeel contact theschool.Victims being harassed,askforpermissionto If aparticipantinformsyouthats/heis

Youth whoare bulliedmayfeelashamed Engage youthparticipantsinaconversation or also? Doanyofyourclassmatesbother found thistobetrueinyourexperience of thekidsweren’t verynice.Haveyou “I remember whenIwasinschool.Some around bullyingandharassment. workers. Findwaystoinitiatediscussion to share thisinformationwiththeircase - “Are youmakingfriends?” - “Haveyoubeenenjoyingyourclasses?” about theirexperiencesinschool. cials, discusswhatinterventionsmaybe thr eaten you?” experienced byyouthparticipants supervisorandinvolve safetyofaparticipant

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 27 recommendations. Welcome Initiative’s Then reviewRainbow and supporttheparticipant. you mighttaketointervene colleagues onwhatsteps Brainstorm withyour 27 Rainbow Response • • • What youcando:

Ask C.whethershewouldlikeyoutotakea Tell C.thatsheshouldnotbeembarrassed Thank C.forsharingandtrustingyou. making contactwithschoolofﬁ bullying isaseriousissueandthatyousuggest to speakwithaboutthis?ExplainC.that Is shelookingforoutsideresources orsomeone to haveaconversation the schooltointervene?Doesshewantyou a courseofaction.Doesshewantyoutocall particular action,orwhetheryoucansuggest shameful. wrong; thebullies’behavioriswhat about beingbullied.Shehasdonenothing conﬁ Remind herthatthisinformationwillremain less timewiththatgirl. ents are concernedthat spending alotoftimewithanothergirlwhostudentsinthehighschoolsayislesbian.Herpar- “lesbian.” You don’t actuallyknowwhathersexualorientationis,butsheisbeingmadefunoffor but thatshecan’t beartotellherparents ordiscussit.Shetellsyouthatsheisaccusedofbeinga C. isateenagerefugee girlfrom Burma.Shecon Case Scenario: dential ifshesodesires. with she doesn’t havemore friendsandtellherto herparents? cials.

ﬁ desinyouthatsheisbeingbulliedschool, • •

After conductingariskassessment, If yousenseC.wouldbenefi determine if youth facemanynewchangesandchallenges. health professional canbeveryhelpfulas to lifeinanewcountry. Speakingtoamental speak tosomeoneabouttheiradjustment how itisnaturalforrefugee youthtowant conversation withC.’s parents fi make areferral. You mayneedtohavea mental healthservicesandsheisinterested, your colleaguesandsupervisors. to responding tosuchsituations andinvolve are suicidal.Besure totakeateamapproach reporting requirements forindividualswho violence orself-harm.There are mandated C. fi isatimmediateriskof ndotherfriendsandspend t from professional rst. Explain

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 28 28 3. Direct Provision Service Rainbow Response opportunities: 1. Carveouttimetodiscussjob Pre-employment activities their successfultransitiontotheUSemploymentsector. opportunities thatare appropriate andsafeforLGBTparticipants,facilitating This sectionoffers recommendations tohelpidentifyandsecure job LGBT refugees/asyleeswhenlookingforwork. haveuniqueconcerns A. Employment/Vocational Services on discussionswithLGBT career planningbyresettlement staffbased can beavoidedthrough theintentional again.” Thistypeofcontinueddiscrimination he thought“Idon’t wanttohavethisexperience discrimination hecouldbeconfronted with, imagining thecontinuedprejudice and agency. Contemplatingthispossibilityand with otherrefugees from theresettlement concerned thathewouldbeplacedinajob The respondent explainedthathewas with otherIraqis.Iwasstilltraumatized.” stating, “I didn’t wanttoworkinanenvironment fear heendured duringthejobsearch process, A andfearswithstaff.concerns LGBT participantstoopenlydiscusstheir employment counselorsshouldencourage reason; toaddress andmitigatetheiranxiety, workforce intheUnitedStates forthis have reservations aboutre-entering the orientation and/orgenderidentity. Theymay sometimes ﬁ to harassmentfrom coworkers andwere LGBT refugees andasylees were subjected Back intheircountriesoforigin,many maleIraqirefugee describedtheanxietyand red asaresult oftheirsexual participants.

very

• • boundaries: 2. Assessandhonorparticipants’

fortheir LGBT participants,outofconcern Under theguidelinesofMatchingGrant with cashassistanceprograms. of certainjobswhileassuringcompliance service plans.Assesstheappropriateness participants developindividualizedemployment This shouldbedoneascaseworkersand evaluate whichjobsare most suitable. new jobplacements,workcollectivelyto taking theposition.To reduce psychological country oforigin,theymaynotfeelcomfortable involved workingwithindividualsfrom their to takecertainjobs.Forinstance,ifajob safety andwellbeing,maynotbewilling impact LGBTparticipants. consider workplaceconditionsthatmay subsequently abletoaccountforand Service security concerns. downdueto if ajobisturned participants offer. can berevoked ifsheorhe refuses ajob program, arefugee’s orasylee’s participation be “appropriate.” afford; guidelinesstipulatethatjobsmust the ﬂ while maintainingcompliancebecauseof the abilitytomakesuchaccommodations str

ess andensure participants thriveintheir exibility MatchingGrant guidelines Sensitivity shouldbepaidtoLGBT Resettlement providers have are agencies

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 29 29 Rainbow Response policies: 3. Investigateprospective employers’ boundaries 2. Assessandhonorparticipants’ Pre-employment activities friendly employers. • • to employment counselors your area. Thisputsanadditional against LGBTemployees.Knowthelawin jurisdictions, employerscandiscriminate local jurisdictions.However, insome they are afforded intheUnitedStatesor informing themoftherightsandprotections can allayLGBTparticipants’anxietiesby participants’ boundaries,serviceproviders prioritized. Whileitisnecessarytohonor The safetyofparticipantsmustalwaysbe they havenoavailablerecourse. informed, LGBTparticipantsmayassume against ortreated unfairly. Ifnotexplicitly if theyfeellikeare beingdiscriminated alert theirsupervisorsand/orcasemanagers the job.Participantsneedtoknowtheycan harassment themselves iftheyexperience them rights andencourage Providers can never encounter providers cannot Regardless ofpoliciesinplace, service

Does theemployerhave Does theemployerhaveanondiscrimination identity andexpression? based onsexualorientationandgender policy? Doesitprohibit discrimination harassment policy

(continued): informparticipantsoftheir anydiscriminationatwork. guaranteeparticipantswill inplace? identify toadvocatefor ananti-sexual (continued) burden on LGBT-

companiesandbusinesses: 4. CultivatepartnershipswithLGBT-friendly • • - Search forLGBT-friendly workplaces on - NetworkwithlocalLGBTorganizations - CollaboratewiththelocalLGBT

Search foranddevelopalistofcompanies Increasingly, third partyemployment pr our website(RainbowWelcome.org). to locatesafejobopportunities. Chamber ofCommerce (nglcc.org). and havetransparent policiesinplacethat that activelysupporttheLGBTcommunity agencies contracted LGBT participants. the jobsavailableare appropriate for speak torepresentatives todetermineif ability notrequired). To theextent possible, which refugees qualify(e.g. Englishspeaking have exclusiveaccesstomanyjobsfor policies maynotbetransparent, theymay While hiring decisions. otect LGBTindividualsfrom discrimination. bycorporationsmake theirpracticesand

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 30 “Some oftheotheremployees 30 experience athis describing hisdif A really feltcomfortablethere.” to dohisjobforhim...Inever a manager—hejustwantedme do allthisworkwasnoteven this guywhowasmakingme approached meandtoldthat hard forme.Lateron,someone others doing. This wasvery do alotoftasksIdidnotsee my managerwasaskingmeto how Italkandact.Forawhile, made funofmebecause

Rainbow Response gayMexicanasylee, fi fi cult rst job. • After successfullysecuringemploymentforLGBTparticipants,there are additionalmeasures Post-employment activities NOTE ONTRANSGENDERPARTICIPANTS INTHEWORKPLACE: • • especially important. can take of companies’policiesandcultural climateis For theseparticipants,athorough examination 26% were fi form ofharassmentormistreatment onthejob; transgender individualsencountered some and LesbianTask Force reported that90%of Transgender EqualityandtheNationalGay in theworkplace.TheNationalCenterfor are atgreater riskofexperiencingdiscrimination psychological anxiety. Transgender individuals they doelsewhere, exacerbatingemotionalor to present asadifferent genderatworkthan of transitioning;itispossibletheywillfeelpressure Transgender participantsmaybeintheprocess discrimination andhostilityintheworkplace. employment, andharder to avoidormitigate for work. experience additionalchallengeswhenlooking Transgender refugees andasyleeswill

- Sexual harassmentanddiscrimination Self-disclosure Safety disclosing atwork. agency, theymay notfeelcomfortable while theymaybe‘out’attheresettlement many, comingoutisalife-longprocess; participant eitherway. Understandthatfor doing so.Beprepared tosupportyour coworkers iftheydonotfeelcomfortable gender identitytotheiremployersorfellow need todisclosetheirsexualorientationor Remind yourparticipantsthattheydonot necessary. them andtouseatworkshoulditbe participants tokeepthesenumberswith and crisishotlines.Encourageyour contacts, includingyouragency, police, participants withacard withemergency Best practiceistoprovide allprogram As should expecttofaceiftheydonot. abide byaswelltherepercussions they rules andregulations theyare expectedto Inform policies. sexual harassmentanddiscrimination Familiarize yourselfwiththecompany’s expected tofollow. protocol theyandtheircoworkers are of potentialrisks.Educatethemonthe workforce, theyshouldbemade aware participantsprepare toenterthe toensure asmoothandsafetransition. They red because theywere transgender. willﬁ yourparticipantsofthe nd itharder toobtain

• • • • •

If youhavedevelopedcloserelationships New-hire paperworkmayhave tobe Service providers canempower transgender - Serviceproviders shouldcontinueto Create materialsandeducateparticipants - ShouldaLGBTparticipantexperience - - Ifaparticipantisexperiencingharassment transgender identity. they are sensitivetotheparticipant’s having aconversationwiththemtoensure participant isqualiﬁ with certainemployersforwhomatransgender name whenatwork. request tobereferred tobytheirpreferred participants, informthemthattheycanstill When youexplaintherequirements toyour completed withtheparticipant’s legalname. their agencyorsupervisors. participants toreport discrimination toeither Empower participantsthrough advocacy Sexual harassmentanddiscrimination and support (continued) and employer allowscaseworkerstoidentify follow upwithboththeparticipantand strategize aplanofaction.Conducting existing barriersintheworkplaceand employment issecured. Assessany monitor participants’placementsafter experiences, andlongerjobretention. work environments, more positivework assist inemploymentrelated questions. and stateemployment Department ofJustice-CivilRightsDivision, Commission, DepartmentofLabor, such asEqualEmploymentOpportunity to issuesintheworkplace.Agencies on localandnationalresources relevant Review SectionFourforadditionaltips. consider makingareferral to alawyer. sexual orientationorgenderidentity, severe discriminationorbe ﬁ resolve thesituation. with her/hisemployerhowtobestimmediately at theworkplace,interveneanddiscuss

r esolve anyissues,resulting inhealthier ed towork,consider commissions red dueto can one

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 31 31 Rainbow Response live withfallsupontheresettlement agency. will oftenresettle alone,thedecisionaboutwhere theyliveandwho emotional andfi disadvantage bothfi relatives. ResettlingassinglecasesplacesLGBTrefugees atadistinct they are frequently escapingdiscriminationandpersecutionbytheirown comfortable. LGBTrefugees andasyleesare oftenresettled alone,as in theUnitedStates,theyhopetoliveaspacewhere theyfeelsafeand As refugees andasyleesfrom allcommunitiesandbackgrounds and howtheyshouldbehoused? How doparticipants’sexualorientationandgenderidentityaffect where identifying housingopportunitiesforLGBTparticipants. is affordable forparticipants.Thissectionoffers guidanceforwhen the CooperativeAgreement, “safe,decent,andsanitary”housingthat Caseworkers havetheresponsibility oflocatingandsecuring,per B. Housing • • • accommodations, considerthefollowing: When identifyingpotentialhousing Neighborhood Location proximity toLGBTresources. Althoughthese might bemore diffi some ruralandsuburbanareas, where it options maynotnecessarilybefeasiblein LGBT neighborhoods,friendlyhousing While mostlargecitieshaveeasilyidentifi stigmatization. may result inincreased isolationand from LGBTorganizationsandcommunities rural areas; resettling thispopulationfaraway readily availablefortheLGBTpopulationin cities, there are dramaticallyfewerresources services Accessibility toLGBTresources

If youare unfamiliarwiththe surrounding Have hatecrimesbeenreported inthe Is theneighborhoodgenerallysafeand and organizations. a websearch forlocalLGBT businesses about safeneighborhoodsand/orconduct individuals, contactlocalLGBTorganizations neighborhoods andtheconditionsforLGBT neighborhood? welcoming forLGBTindividuals? are notexclusivetometropolitan

cult toﬁ nancial supportfamiliescanprovide. SinceLGBTrefugees nd housinginclose nancially andemotionallyastheyare notafforded the

able

• • national community. or nearothermembersoftheirethnic not besafeforLGBTrefugees tolivewith members oftheircountryoriginlive,itmay to resettle individualsinareas where other While resettlement agencies are inclined Housing withinrefugee communities

LGBT refugees andasylees mayremain Many LGBTrefugees andasylees are close regular basis. Monitor theirsafetyandwellbeingona they maybemetwithhostility, evenviolence. and emotionalwellbeing.Iftheydodisclose, on consequences or genderidentity often donotdisclosetheirsexualorientation because theyrely ontheirsupport. They discrimination theywouldpotentiallyendure. home communitiesbecauseofthecontinued reluctant tointeractwithmembers oftheir to othersfrom theircountryof origin andthiscanhaveharmful participants’mentalhealth r esettle

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 32 32 Rainbow Response discrimination. HavingeasyaccesstoaLGBT in neighborhoodswithlowriskofassaultand Transgender participantsshouldbehoused and willmakearrests withoutduecause. workers basedonlyontheirgenderexpression, assume thattransgenderindividualsare sex way LGBpersonscan.Policesometimes as theymaynotbeableto‘pass’inthesame greater riskofbeingharassedandtargeted transgender refugees andasylees,whoare at for Location isalsoaseriousconcern Housing fortransgenderrefugees/asylees and Iwouldnotwanttojeopardizethat… has along-standingrelationshipwiththislandlord I feelasifshouldsaysomethingbutouragency always veryresponsivetoother participant becausesheistransgender;he I amconcernedheisdiscriminatingagainstthe participant, whichmademeuncomfortable. He keptusingmasculinepronounstoreferthe busy butwouldsendsomeonetolookatitsoon. do somethingaboutthesink.Hesaidhewasvery I paidavisitandaskedthelandlordifhecould landlord tohaveit clogged. Shehadmadeseveralrequeststothe two weeksagothatthekitchensinkisperpetually apartment complexneartheof I recentlyhousedatransgenderparticipantinan Dear Rainbow Welcome, of if thecollegecampusisgenerallytolerant near alocalcollegeor Sometimes resettling medical servicesupontheirresettlement. and asyleesastheymaywishtoseekout clinic isalsocriticalfortransgenderrefugees Struggling withmanagement afford toloseourconnection tothiscomplex. apartments isalwaysachallengeandwecannot LGBTpersons. fi xed butstillnoonecameby. transgenderrefugees universitymakessense fi ce. Shealertedme tenants’ needs. fi nding

“Hi Tom. Iwantedtocheckinonthestatusof Rainbow Welcome Thanks, begin tohouseparticipantselsewhere. not afforded toallparticipants,youwould him thatiftherespect andresponsiveness were complex. You can gentlyandsubtlyremind your participantsprovide byresettling inhis come torely onthesteadysource ofincome participants, thelandlord hasalsoprobably agency dependsonthislandlord tohouse has been.Don’t forget thoughthatwhileyour how enjoyableyourworkingrelationship Frame theconversationpositively, highlighting questions orconcerns,youshouldletmeknow.” sensitivity toClarisse.Ofcourse,ifyouhaveany thank youforextendingthissamerespect and persecution because our participants,understandingtheyhave been verysensitivetothebackgrounds ofall as youcansee,sheidenti She prefers tobecalledClarissethoughbecause because thetenantsignedleaseasYusuf. something else.Iknowitissortofconfusing participants. Also, Iwantedtotalkyouabout has thesamepositiveexperienceasourother our participantsinyourcomplex.IhopeClarisse tenants’ appreciate howresponsive youare toallofyour my participant’s sink—shelivesin3D.Ireally I understandthedif Dear SWM, Here issamplelanguageyou and haveafrank,respectful conversation. I encourageyoutofollowupwiththelandlord to yourorganization (andotherparticipants). not tocutofftieswithsomeonewhoisimportant want tonavigatethissituationdelicatelysoas participant’s bestinterest inmind,youalso you fi ndyourself;whileyouhaveyour needs,whichiswhywecontinuetohouse fi cultsituationinwhich of whotheyare. Iwantto fi esasawoman.You’ve can use: fl ed 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 33 “Sometimes Ifeeldiscriminated must bemade. is compromised,accommodations when thesafetyofaparticipant to accommodatesuchrequests, family. While itisnotnecessary want tolivecloserfriends/ unhappy intheirapartmentor often itisbecausetheyare participants torequestamove; It isnotuncommonfor taken toensuretheirsecurity. immediate actionmustbe current livingsituation, you theyfeelunsafeintheir resettlement periodandinform or genderidentitylaterinthe their sexualorientationand/ country. Ifparticipantsdisclose someone fromthe LGBT individual intolerantofthe LGBT unknowingly houseda you mayfi during allocation. As aresult, this informationisnotavailable gender identityanditislikely their sexualorientationandor may notimmediatelydisclose LGBT Gender When SexualOrientation/ 33 her livingarrangements El Salvador, commentingon A to moveout.” harass me. This iswhyIwant give meahardtime. They about itbutsometimesthey know andwedon’t talk against athome.Myroommates

Rainbow Response transgenderasyleefrom participantwith refugeesandasylees community, perhaps IdentityIsUnknown: nd thatyouhave same an

Keep theseindividualsinmindwhenhousingaLGBTparticipant. relationships withpotentialroommates andidentifywho wouldbesupportiveofLGBTindividuals. should notbecommunicatedtoprospective roommates underanycircumstances. Cultivate their roommates. Informationregarding thesexualorientationorgenderidentityofaparticipant LGBT participantsare matchedappropriately. Itistheparticipants’decisiontodisclose Resettlement for LGBTrefugees andasylees. orientation orgenderidentity. Roommatesshare intheresponsibility ofcreating asafespace It isnecessaryforLGBTrefugees tolivewithindividualswhoare supportiveoftheirsexual persecution andre-traumatization. Roommates addavariablethatcouldpotentiallyputrefugees andasyleesatriskforcontinued LGBT refugees andasyleeswillmostlikelyrequire shared housinginorder topayrent. Roommates Rainbow Welcome Thanks, Be attentivetosignsofdiscomfort orhostility. not discloseahistoryoftraumato theother. gender identitytooneroommate justasyouwould orientation. Donotdisclosesexualorientationor others independentofanyconcernsaboutsexual individuals mayhavedif refugee’s sexualorientation,ashighlytraumatized relevant of origin. A if theparticipantsare from different countries participant isnotaslikelytoresult inany housing aLGBT these twowomentogether. We havefoundthat I understandwhyyouwouldbereluctant tohouse Dear HAP, Please Housing Assistance in Iraqeither. I realizetheLGBT house themtogether. I’mnervoustodosobecause are arrivingatthesametime.Iwonderifcan orientation orpossiblehistoryoftrauma. They no informationorhistoryregardinghersexual have asinglewomanfromIraqforwhomwe Uganda willberesettlingnextmonth. We also of LGBT How canIidentifyroommateswhoaresupportive Dear Rainbow Welcome, culture andcommunity. A might appeartobeposingathreat totheindividual’s LGBT sentiment andemotionalresponse. a different background doesnotprovoke thesame torture orsexualassault,thisfactormaybemore Remember thatiftheIraqiwomanexperienced they feelcomfortablesharingtheirexperiences. Check inwitheachindividualindependentlyso Still monitoryourparticipants’ preventing continuedisolation. also promotes relationship buildingandnetworking, were theytolivealone.Livingwitharoommate since theywouldlikelynotbeabletoafford rent participantsbene andmore challengingthantheother participants? A LGBT af participantwithanon-LGBT fi liates shouldwheneverpossiblescreen potentialroommates toensure personfrom thesamecountry communityisnottolerated fi fi lesbianwomanfrom tfrom shared housing cultyinteractingwith LGBT housingsituation. individualfrom harm

Thanks, your participantsasneeded. being aware ofthepossibilitiesandsupporting much youcandoinregards tothisasidefrom be incidentsofsexualharassment.There isnot romantically involved.Inothercases,there may It isalsopossiblefortwoparticipantstobecome of allocation. together forsomereason notknownatthetime if thesetwoLGBT be ready toprovide alternativeaccommodations attentive tohousingconcernsoncetheyarriveand will connect. As withanyrefugee, youshouldbe way ofknowingforsure whethertwostrangers a great dealincommon.Thatsaid,there isno source ofsupportforeachotherastheyshare Rainbow Can IhousetwoLGBT Dear Rainbow Welcome, identity. LGBT of thesamesexualorientationand/orgender refugee andastraightrefugee togetherthantwo reason tobeconcernedwhenhousingaLGBT Yes, that’s usuallyacceptable. There isgreater Dear CQ, Coordinator Question the sameapartment?

Welcome refugees canbe participantscannotbehoused participantstogetherin an excellent

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 34 34 Rainbow Response What youcando: Roommates or sexualorientationtoothermembersofthefamily. the samerighttoconﬁ conﬂ identity isdiscovered. SeeSectionSixtoread abouthowserviceproviders canmediatefamilial themselves. FamiliesmayalsokickoutanLGBTrelative ifher/hissexualorientationorgender refugees andasyleeshavenotyetdisclosed,itcanbeincredibly stressful hidingthispartof aware oftheirrelatives’ genderidentityand/orsexualorientationandotherswillnot.IfLGBT Of course,someLGBTrefugees andasyleesresettle withtheirfamilies.Somefamiliesmaybe What aboutLGBTrefugees andasyleeswhoresettle withfamilies? • • • •

Identify Talk withD.anddeterminewhetherheneeds Conduct ariskassessment. Thank D.forsharingthisinformationand empty space. Perhaps another move out. if D.orhisroommate should betheoneto necessary. Assess thesituationtodetermine of physicalviolence,immediaterelocation is time (acoupledays,aweek).IfD.isatrisk can remain intheapartment foranyperiodof to relocate immediately(that night)orifhe will remain confi trusting you.Remindhimthat - Hasanyphysicalforce been used? - Isthere ariskiftheroommate discloses - Havethethreats beenescalating? - Whathastheroommate said? end therelationship immediately. is nowharassinghim,threatening himto roommate learnedoftherelationship and a localLGBT recently begandatingsomeonehemetat day totellyouthatheisgayand documents. D.comesintoyourof sexual orientationwasmadeinhisassurance upon hisresettlement andnomentionofhis within thesameweek.D.didnotself-identify single Bhutanesemanwhohadresettled months ago.Hewashousedwithanother A Case Scenario: family orcommunity? information totheprogram participant’s gayBhutaneseman,D.,arrivedtwo ict andprevent thisfrom occurringorensure accommodations. alternative (continued) event.D.informsyouthathis dential ifhesodesires. refugee arrivingcanfi dentiality asadults;providersshould this fi ceone information ll the

safetywhenitdoes.Remember, minorshave • • LGBT PARTICIPANTS: ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES FORHOUSING • •

Reach outtolocalLGBTorganizations. Coordinate withotherresettlement agencies Post-arrival housingassessmentsofwelfare Use agencydiscretionary funding tooffset anyone evacuate and/orlivealone. be utilizedifaLGBTparticipantneedsto an emergencyfundingaccountwhichcan resettlement. Thisfundingcould gotowards population tosupportLGBTparticipants’ may alsobeinterested infundraisingforthis to LGBTrefugees/asylees. LGBTgroups have spaceintheirhomesavailabletorent Members oftheLGBTcommunitymay should notbedisclosedtoroommates by that sexualorientationorgenderidentity explicitly ‘out’therefugee asgay. Remember not disclosethecountryoforiginnordoesit for gay-friendlyhousing.” Thisrequest does speaking malerefugee arriving.Iamlooking participant identifi personal informationthatwouldmakethe of LGBTparticipants,donotprovide enough arise. Inorder tomaintaintheconfi affi Set upanemaillistservforlocalresettlement when identifyingappropriate roommates. participants anopportunitytospeakfreely. should beconductedseparatelytooffer getting alongokay?).Interviewswithroommates initiating discussion necessary ifparticipantsare notcomfortable has beenfeeling.Pointedquestionsmaybe inquire witheachparticipant When conductingmandatoryhomevisits, the safetyandwellbeingofparticipants. and livingconditionsare critical toensuring to livealone. rental costsforLGBTparticipants whohave liates tocommunicatehousingneedsasthey notdiscloseaminor’s genderidentity but theparticipantsthemselves. able. “IhaveanArabic-

(e.g.Are thetwoofyou as tohows/he dentiality

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 35 35 Rainbow Response understand their presents additionalchallengesforLGBTrefugees/asylees. aboutdisclosingone’sconcerns sexualorientationand/orgenderidentity during appointments;compoundinglinguisticandculturalbarriers, medical care systemandmaynotknowhowtoadvocateforthemselves asylees, LGBTprogram participantsare initiallyunfamiliarwiththeUS education informationandprevention strategies.Likemostrefugees/ sexually transmittedinfections(STIs)andwillrespond todifferent health disease. SomeLGBTrefugees maybeatgreater riskforcontracting Lesbians forinstanceare athigherriskforbreast cancerandheart LGBT refugees/asylees haveuniqueandspecializedhealthconcerns. C. HealthServices • • • Conﬁ prior toinitialhealthscreenings. To ensure LGBTrefugees/asylees Empowering ParticipantsinHealthCare Settings

LGBT refugees/asylees mayworrythat Program participantsoften donothave LGBT refugees/asylees may bereluctant notify theircaseworkersimmediately. the righttosubmitagrievance andshould against, harassed ordiscriminated practitioners abide.If professional ethiccodesbywhichhealth facility. Discusswithparticipantsthestrict status willresult indiscriminationatthehealth sharing informationrelating totheirLGBT as LGBT. refugees/asylees whohavenotself-identiﬁ this task.Thisshouldalsobemadeclearto prefer nothavingfamilyandfriendsperform provided bythehealthcare facility interpretation orforaninterpreter tobe participants thattheycanrequest telephonic friends are present. Explaintoprogram sharing sensitiveinformationifrelatives or LGBT refugees maynotfeel comfortable accompany participantstointerpret, but speaking familymembersorfriendsoften be informedofalltheiroptions.English- interpretive servicesatevery visitandmust medical staff. Participantsare entitledto the linguisticcapacitytocommunicatewith and doctorsprovide better care. practices orgenderidentitywillhelpnurses why disclosinginformationregarding sexual by lawtomaintainconﬁ Assure participantsthatdoctors are required shared fearful thisinformationwillbeleakedand to self-identifyasLGBTtheirdoctors, dentiality among

familyorcommunitymembers. rightsaspatients,resettlement workersneedtoaddress eachoftheirconcerns they dentiality. Explain

feelthattheywere are comfortableduringmedicalappointmentsandfully theyhave if they ed

• • • • Understanding Procedures

Medical staff mayuseterminology notfamiliar Participants havetherighttoseeamedical Explain patientrightsandresponsibilities to Encourage LGBTrefugees/asylees tohonestly to bemade. if questions atanytimeduringtheirappointment asylees needtoknowtheyare abletoask to program participants.LGBT refugees/ so desired. members present duringappointments if However, they canalsorequest tohavefamily professional withoutfamily memberspresent. doctor/nurse isofthesameoroppositesex. refugees/asylees maywish torequest their during appointments.Forinstance,LGBT know howtheycanadvocateforthemselves ﬁ program participantsbefore theyhavetheir andneeds. concerns, discuss withtheirproviders theirbehaviors, rst medicalvisit.Itisnecessaryforthemto they are confusedandrequire clariﬁ

cations

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 36 36 Rainbow Response refugee healthclinics. LGBT healthclinicstoprovide trainingsto agencies inthelocalarea cancollaboratewith sensitive healthcare services.Resettlement often havelimitedcapacityinoffering LGBT- to patientsofdifferent nationalorigins,they in providing culturallycompetentmedicalcare While refugee healthclinicsmaybewellversed Advocacy • • • •

LGBT healthorganizationsare unlikelyto LGBT healthorganizationsmaynotrecognize LGBT healthorganizationsmaynotrecognize LGBT refugees andasyleesare farmore and reasons formedication. extra timetoexplaindosage,prescriptions, to checkinontreatment adherence, and take make sure toschedulefollow-upappointments care providers workingwithrefugees should adherence totreatment regimens. Health practitioners,andwhichmay affectwestern environmental factorswhichare unfamiliarto refugees attributeillnesstospiritualor in perception ofcausesdisease;some understand oranticipateculturaldifferences efﬁ forms ofmedicinethatcouldimpedethe that somerefugees/asylees usetraditional an infectiousdiseasespecialistasneeded. thorough history, should payparticularattentiontotakinga not experiencedwithimmigrantpopulations years, andhealthcare providers whoare Some infectionscanremain latentformany States, butsometimesoccurinrefugees. that are rare ornon-existentintheUnited or respond toparasiticorinfectious diseases with thispopulation. agencies canprovide guidance onworking with refugees before. Inthiscase,resettlement community, they usuallyhavenotworked groups are expertsinservingtheLGBT at aLGBThealthorganization.Whilethese comfortable accessinghealthcare services LGBT refugees andasyleesmayfeelmore explaining thepurposeofeachstep. should make LGBTpatientsmore comfortable,they events. Medicalstaff shouldknowthatto procedures thatcouldtriggerpasttraumatic colorectal exams gynecological exams,papsmears,and during physicalexaminations;breast exams, violence. Theymayfeeluncomfortable suffered from otherformsoflife-threatening likely tobesurvivorsoftorture and/ortohave cacy ofmedicationsprescribed intheUS. move

through eachprocedure slowly, are particularlysensitive and beprepared torefer to

• broach thissubjectwith that program participantsare aware theycan inclusive mannernormalizesthisconversationso infections. Addressing sexualhealthinan including elevatedrisksofsexuallytransmitted these factorsmayresult inriskysexualbehavior, discomfort, orfearofdiscrimination.All reluctant toaskquestionsnowdueshame, sexual healthandpracticesbefore andmaybe never havehadaccesstoinformationon for theﬁ asylees sometimesbecomesexuallyactive what theydo.Additionally, LGBTrefugees/ shame orembarrassmenttowhotheyare and sexual practicesandhealth.Theymayattach discomfort whentalkingabouttheirbodiesor LGBT refugees/asylees, mayexperience Refugees/asylees ingeneral,butespecially Sexual Health • •

Integrate adiscussiononsexualhealth Make sure toletparticipants knowthatthey Other potentialtopicstoincludeduring citizenship applicationseither. their caseworkersandphysicians. they shouldfeelcomfortableapproaching inform participantsthatiftheyhavequestions, least mentiontheimportanceofsafesexand sex practicesindepth.Itisnecessarytoat expected tocoversexualhealthandsafe Resettlement serviceproviders are not into newarrivalsandculturalorientations. This willnotbeafactorintheirgreen space betweenconsentingindividualsofage. sexual activitythattakesplaceinaprivate cannot bedeportedorarrested forsame-sex HIV/AIDS; sexualviolence. orientation orhealthcare workshops: STIs; rst timeuponresettling. Theymay their serviceproviders. car d or

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 37 37 Rainbow Response and generalcare associatedwithtransitioning. insurance thatcoversprocedures, medications, participants may Transgender orgendernon-conforming Gender IdentityandHealthcare • • • • • • • cover thefollowing: whether Medicaidorprivateinsurancewill expectations, andanswerquestionsabout It isimportanttoaddress andmanage date information. out toLGBTorganizationsforthemostup research theregulations inyourstateorreach be covered. Programs differ ineachstate,so of healthcare fortransgender individualsshould not provide anyguidanceon whether Currently, federalMedicaidregulations do

Genital reconstruction (alsocalledsex/gender A hysterectomy fortransgendermen. Bilateral mastectomyandchestreconstruction Breast augmentationfortransgenderwomen. Permanent facialhairremoval fortransgender Hormone ReplacementTherapy(HRT). Psychological counselingfortheinitialdiagnosis realignment surgery). for transgendermen. women. and forguidancethrough thetransition. expectthattheywillhave this

type

Also reach outtoLGBT will allowhertopayforthisnecessaryexpense. aggressively lookingforsupplementalincomethat vital thisistoherwellbeingandthatyourteam delay treatment. Letherknowyouunderstandhow treatment. Ifsheisnotatrisk,mayhaveto health risksifshewere toendhormonereplacement Rainbow Welcome Thanks, sliding scaleforlow-incomeindividuals. that mayofferhormonereplacement therapyona Consult of hormonescanraisetheriskHIV. problems, andobtainingneedlesforillicituse underlying depression orothermentalhealth use ofhormonescanaffectmoodandexacerbate therapy becomesamedicalnecessity. Improper into theirprocess oftransition,accesstohormone support. However, iftransgenderpersonsare well in whichtheycanobtainsomeformofinsurance ﬁ defer theirplansuntiltheyare ableto plans, sometransgenderrefugees mayhaveto are notcovered undermanymedicalinsurance transition. Becausesurgery andhormonetreatment transgender personswhohavedecidedtoundergo standard andnecessarymedicaltreatment for without anyoneof therapy; shecannotliveafulllifewithdignity between food,rent, andhormonereplacement Your participantshouldnothavetochoose Dear NECA, Not EnoughCash Assistance do orsay. I’mworriedshecouldbeevicted. on hormonetherapy. I’matalossofwhatIshould food andrentbutisinsteadspendinghermoney mine isnotusinghercashassistancetopayfor I justdiscoveredthatatransgenderparticipantof Dear Rainbow Welcome, nancialresources, orrelocate toajurisdiction a physiciantoassessyourparticipant’s these. organizations andclinics Hormonetherapyisa ﬁ ndthe

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 38 38 Rainbow Response develop compromised immune systems. compliant withtheirtreatment regimen and additional challengesifrefugees are not in theUnitedStates,whichcanpresent other latentinfectiousdiseasespriortoarriving having beenexposedtotuberculosis and HIV positiverefugees have ahigherriskof and monitored toassure compliance.Additionally, assure thatpatientsare appropriately educated to resettlement agencieshavearesponsibility refugees are enrolled intreatment, refugee their medicationregimen. OnceHIVpositive speciﬁ to determineiftheyare engagedinHIV agencies shouldassessHIVpositiveparticipants avoiding treatment. Refugeeresettlement healthcare needs,forgoingmedicationsor their statusanddecidenottoaddress their is unique.Somerefugees maystrugglewith than thegeneralpopulation,everyindividual historically havehighertreatment compliance AIDS status.AlthoughHIVpositiverefugees a great stigmaassociatedwithpositiveHIV/ have additionalhealthcare needs.There isstill LGBT refugee/asylees livingwithHIV/AIDs for allrefugees. AIDS educationasapartofculturalorientation Resettlement providers shouldincludeHIV/ HIV/AIDS work c medicalcare andiftheyunderstand closelywithhealthcare providers to

• • • NEXT STEPS

The CentersforDiseaseControl (CDC) Identify LGBThealthcare providers in Research LGBThealthissues. provides establish systemsforreferrals. to strengthen orformalizepartnershipsand your area andwithLGBThealthcare providers Work withotherresettlement agenciesin mechanisms. your area andestablishformalreferral Initiative website. are availableontheRainbowWelcome individuals. Linkstobothofthesesites for healthcare providers servingLGBT Association (GLMA)haveasetofguidelines website, andtheGayLesbianMedical to refugees andLGBTpopulationsontheir information onbothproviding care

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 39 4. Legal Services 39 Rainbow Response • • • • • as youcan,including: If aparticipantreports discriminationorharassmentatwork,gatherasmuchinformation sex discriminationlaw. Opportunity Commissionruledthattransgenderindividuals accommodations onthejob,suchasfl current abilitytoperformtheir job.HIVpositiveparticipantsare alsoentitledtoreasonable workplace discrimination.ApplicantsdonothavetodiscloseHIVstatusunlessitaffects their passed atthe provide explicitprotection basedonsexualorientationandgenderidentity, buthasnotyetbeen to LGBTemployeesortheirpartners.TheEmploymentNon-DiscriminationAct(ENDA)would fi on real orperceived status.Typically, theselawsbanharassmentanddiscriminationinhiring, illegal. Statenon-discriminationlawsoftenprotect Some stateshavelawsthatmakeemploymentdiscrimination Employment Protections A. CivilLaw, Discrimination,andHateCrimes may adversely advice toanyone.Providing legaladviceisnotonlyillegal,butitalso legal counselandundernocircumstances shouldyouprovide legal as aguideandresource. Itisnotintendedtoserveasasubstitutefor just that.You shouldconsidertheinformationprovided inthissection when torefer themtoanattorney. Thissectionwillassistyouindoing abouttheneedsofLGBTindividualswillhelpyoudetermine Learning consequences thatcancomefrom providing improper legaladvice. participant mayneed,butitiscriticalthatyouappreciate thesevere of defenseinscreening possiblelegalservicesyourrefugee/asylee As serviceproviders, youare inauniquepositiontobethefi rules aboutdocumentation. some claimsare subjecttostrictfi relief. Moreover, itiscrucialtotimelyrefer individualstoalawyerbecause so desires. You ring, andpromotion practicesbutthey

Advise theparticipantto Grievance policyprocedures; Employers’ personnelpolicies,non-discriminationand/or Testimony from co-workersorsupervisors; What happenedandwhowasinvolved; todiscussallavailablelegal optionsiftheparticipant mayconsidercontactinganattorney federal af level.TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActprotects peoplewithHIVfrom fect anindividual’s potentialavenuesofimmigration saveanythreatening ordiscriminatoryemails,lettersotherdocumentation.

exible scheduling. donotalwaysrequire employerstoprovide equal ling deadlinesandhaveadditional based individualswhoexperiencediscrimination InAprilof2012,theEqualEmployment are VII,thefederal covered underTitle onthebasisofsexualorientation relevant unioncontracts; rst line beneﬁ

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 40 40 the country, employersin While lawsvarythroughout marital orfamilystatus. about sexualorientation,and some Rainbow Response statesmaybefreetoask

partnerships andadoptions. legal assistancetoformalizesame-sex discrimination onthejob. during jobreadiness programming. Informparticipants howtodocumentharassmentor Discuss therightsandprotections afforded toLGBTindividualsatworkwithallparticipants How canIsupportparticipants? orientation. actual orperceived genderidentityorsexual now coverscrimesmotivatedby avictim’s Byrd, Jr. HateCrimesPrevention Act. Thelaw 2009 withtheMatthewShepard andJames Hate CrimesLawof1969wasextendedin What doesthecurrent lawlooklike?TheFederal bargaining agreement. an employment of privacy, defamation,orinterference with relating tofree speech,harassment,invasion persons maystillbeprotected underlaws there are noprotections inyourstate,LGBT informed oflocalnon-discriminationlaws.If policies before placingparticipants,andstay Investigate employers’non-discrimination QUICK TIPS Employment Protections • • • right tobe: orientation. Highlightthateveryonehasthe information pertinent resettlement agencies they interactwith members ofthehomecommunity, orothers to hatecrimesperpetrated easily targeted,makingthemmore vulnerable LGBT refugees/asylees are oftenisolatedand Hate CrimesLegislation should refer LGBTparticipants to through adoption.Resettlement agencies the righttoformfamiliesofchoice,including other legalprotections. LGBT refugees have discuss powerofattorney, livingwills,and and partnerships, regarding marriage, provide informationaboutstate andlocallaws LGBT participantsincommittedrelationships, This canmakefamilyreuniﬁ an immigrationstatusthatistiedtotheirs. same-sex partnerstojointhemandreceive LGBT refugees andasyleescannotapplyfor Family Law

Protected bythepoliceofﬁ Protected bythelawsintheircommunity Free from fear contract intheUnitedStates.Itiscritical refer themtoalawyer civilunions,anddomestic toLGBTindividuals includesafetyandlegal

orcollective cers intheircommunity by cation difﬁ familymembers, (Continued) appropriate

cult. For

during

• • • • • • questions are illegaltoaskinaninterview: Lambda Legalreports thatthefollowing Legal forfurtherassistance. as theTransgender LawCenterorLambda listed below, contactalegalorganizationsuch If aparticipantcomplainsofanytheissues commonly experiencedinhealthcare settings. Discrimination basedongenderidentityis Transgender speciﬁ competent, affordable healthcare. challenges inaccessingsensitive,culturally- LGBT refugees/asylees face thesesame the un-orunderemployed, andLGBTpersons. This isespeciallytrueforlow-incomeindividuals, affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage. Millions ofAmericanshavedifﬁ Healthcare Law • • • •

Do youhaveadisability?(Theycanaskabout Do youhaveHIVorAIDS? How manydayswere yousicklastyear? Have youeverbeentreated formental What prescription drugsare youcurrently Are youingoodhealth? ability toperformtheessentialjobfunctions) health problems? taking? Gender-speciﬁ Occasionally healthinsurancecompanies Many healthinsurancepoliciesexclude Applications forhealthcare insurancemay coverage denied fortransgendermen. gynecological care forwomen,maybe related care. those servicesare connectedtotransgender healthcare servicesbecausetheybelieve will denycoveragefornon-transgenderrelated understand theircoverage. may needtohelpprogram participants healthcare, butnotall.Resettlementworkers related surgery, orothertransgenderrelated to appealthisdecision. transitioning. There maybe legaloptions or theirhistoryofmedicalcare related to be deniedonthebasisoftransgenderstatus for hormonetherapy, transition- c healthcare services,e.g. c concerns culty

securing

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 41 41 Rainbow Response • • by theFairHousingAct. cases, aLGBTpersonmaystillbeprotected sexual orientationandgenderidentity. Insome familial statusbutdoesnotspecifi religion, sex,nationalorigin,disability, and rental discriminationbasedonrace,color, gender identity. TheFairHousingActoutlaws people onthebasisofsexualorientationor national fairhousinglawthatexplicitlyprotects common across thecountry, andthere isno orientation orgenderidentity. Discriminationis accessing housingbecauseoftheirsexual LGBT personsmayhavemore diffi Access toHousing help themobtainlegalrepresentation, orfollowupwith thepoliceasnecessary. provide ongoingsupportasneeded.You mayneedtoaccompanythemthepolicestation, reports seriously. Resettlementstaff shouldencourageLGBTparticipantstoreport crimes and this, notalloffi cities, havereceived sensitizationtrainingonworkingwithLGBTcommunitymembers.Despite police forces intheircountryoforigin.Manypoliceforces intheUnitedStates,especiallymajor enforcement maybecompoundedbytheirhistoryofpersecution,harassment,orviolence asylees maybeparticularlyreluctant toreport crimes tothepolice.Unfamiliaritywithlocallaw If LGBTparticipantsare victimsofacrime,offi Law Enforcement February 2012,theUnitedStatesDepartment protection indifferent partsofthecountry. In often change,andprovide varyinglevelsof stay informedoflocalandfederallawsasthey and genderidentityillegal.Itisimportantto sexual orientationorgenderidentity. against onthebasisofactualorperceived managed orfundedhousingtobediscriminated rule makesitillegalforanyonelivinginHUD Sexual OrientationorGenderIdentity.” This Housing inHUDPrograms Regardless of passed aruleentitled“EqualAccessto discrimination onthebasisofsexualorientation Some stateshavelawsthatmakehousing What doesthecurrent law looklike? of

A property managerrefuses torent an A gaymanisevictedbecausehislandlord the FairHousingAct. discrimination onthebasisofsexunder non-conformity, itmayconstituteillegal because oftheprospective tenant’s gender is transgender. Ifthehousingdenialis apartment toaprospective tenantwho to haveadisability, HIV/AIDS. Housing Actbecausethemanisperceived illegal disability HIV/AIDS. Thatsituationmayconstitute believes hewillinfectothertenantswith HousingandUrbanDevelopment(HUD) cers willrespond positivelytoLGBTindividuals discrimination

undertheFair cally include culty

cials mayneedtointervene.LGBTrefugees and

2. Documentdiscriminatorypractices, 4. BecauseLGBTstatusisnotalways 3. Obtainstatementsfrom witnesses. 1. Determinewhetherwhatparticipants against? and report they’vebeendiscriminated What canIdoifparticipantscometome • • • • Examples include: including including phoneconversations. Write downdetailsofconversations, provider. consultation before confronting housing protected underlocallaws,obtainalegal exclusively forsomeotherreason. orientation orgenderidentityandnot that unfairtreatment isbasedonsexual Proving discriminationrequires showing experienced constitutesdiscrimination. - Ifalandlord takesactionto endharassment - Ifalandlord hasapolicyon noiseor - Ifalandlord deniesthelease application

Refusal tosellorrent aproperty basedon Harassment basedonknownorsuspected Being treated differently from othertenants Eviction from anapartment basedon known orsuspectedLGBTHIV LGBT orHIVstatus known tobeLGBT policies tosometenantswhoare building visitors,butonlyappliesthose HIV isstatusknownorsuspected or prospective tenantsbecause LGBTor (even ifitisamonth-to-monthlease) known orsuspectedLGBTHIVstatus based onLGBTorHIVstatus are suspectedtobeLGBT against sometenants,butnotthosewho and any maynottaketheirclaimsand lettersandcorrespondence. status

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 42 42 Rainbow Response B. ImmigrationIssues varying types. purposes, includingfamilypetitionsof valid there, itshouldbevalidforimmigration place. Ifthemarriagewasconsidered legally the lawofstatewhere themarriagetook partners, immigrationoffi married intheUnitedStatestoopposite-sex purposes. Fortransgenderindividualswhoare getting theirmarriagesrecognized forimmigration of bothindividuals)havehadsomesuccessin sex marriages(basedonthegenderidentity Transgender individualswhoare inopposite identify even forindividualswho,from thebeginning, petitioning foropposite-sexpartnersarises credibility asaLGBTperson. Thisproblem of raise signifi for anopposite-sexderivativespousewilllikely complicated forLGBTindividuals.Anapplication status, that United Statesasderivativesontheirimmigration apply tohavetheirspousesjointheminthe Although refugees andasylees mayalso Petitions forSpouses benefi that personwillnotreceive anyimmigration or countrythatallowssame-sexmarriage, legally marriedasame-sexpartnerinstate woman ashusbandandwife.” Ifyourclient “a legalunionbetweenonemanand of MarriageAct(DOMA)defi byfederallaw,is governed andtheDefense for asame-sexspouse.U.S.immigrationlaw a LGBTindividualfrom applyingforbenefi Current lawintheUnitedStatesprecludes Petitions forPartners Individuals maywanttofi to alegalserviceprovider toinitiateasylumapplications. If individualscometoyouroffi common reasons aLGBTindividualwillaskyouforimmigrationadvice. immigration.Belowareneed legaladviceconcerning someofthemost immigration assistance.There are severalreasons anindividualmight status asanasyleeorrefugee, butthatdoesnotmeantheywillneed Most ofyourLGBTprogram participantswillalready haveimmigration ts intheUnitedStates. as bisexual. cant questionsabouttheindividual’s process isalsosubstantiallymore

cials shouldlookto nes le immigrationpetitions forotherfamilymembers.

marriage ce butdonothavelegalstatus,refer them as ts

request forprotection thathe/shehadidentifi particularly iftherefugee claimed inhis/her the individual’s credibility asaLGBTperson, children maycauseanadjudicator toquestion for derivativechildren, theexistence ofthose If aLGBTrefugee orasylee fi refugee protection basedonsexualorientation. family membersisnotanoption. a resident orcitizen,sponsorshipforother spouses andchildren. Until arefugee becomes on theirrefugee status,that optionislimitedto their familymemberstojointhemasderivatives Although refugees andasylees canpetitionfor Petitions forExtendedFamily before fi LGBT individualsmusttakeextraprecautions isgenerallyunfounded, Although thisconcern as LGBTforasignifi complicated forindividuals This process, however, issignifi States asderivativesontheirimmigrationstatus. to havetheirchildren jointhemintheUnited In general,refugees andasyleescanpetition Petitions forChildren in theirapplications acknowledging opposite-sexsexualrelationship about anychildren thatthey haveby should alsoendeavortopreempt questions eligibility forrefugee status. LGBTindividuals to avoidcastingdoubtontheirunderlying ling anapplicationforderivativechildren for cant amountoftime. protection. who les anapplication cantly more havereceived ed

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 43 43 Rainbow Response person maynonetheless Even ifanindividualenterstheUnitedStatesasarefugee orbecomesanasyleeafterarrival,the Individuals maywanttofi this situationshouldconsultwith alawyertopresent themost compellingcasepossible. Immigration offi nonetheless beeligibleforpermanentresidency iftheyqualifyforawaiverofthecriminal conviction. Refugees andasyleeswhoare placedinremoval proceedings afterbeingconvictedofacrimemay Waiver ofCriminalConvictions because ofsomeone’s membershipina protected group. CAT. Unlikewithholding andasylum,there is norequirement toshowthatthetorture beinfl their homecountry. Evenindividualswithveryserious States hassignedatreaty promising thatitwillnotreturnanyonewhofearsbeingtortured in those whoare likelytobetorturedoffi byagovernment Protection undertheConventionAgainstTorture (CAT) isaseparateform ofrelief availableto Convention AgainstTorture • • • are asfollows: conviction. Someoftheconsequences in removal proceedings followingacriminal refugees andasyleeswhofi of qualifi deportation order underscore theimportance The severityoftheconsequencesa Consequences ofDeportation/Removal because theconsequencesofadeportationorder are extremely high. to animmigrationlawyerbothbecausethelegaloptionsare limitedanddiffi proceedings afterhavingalready received lawfulstatusitisimperativethattheapplicantspeak arrested orotherwisechargedwithcriminalactivity. Asabove,ifapersongetsputintoremoval prosecution and toapplyannuallyforworkauthorization. periodic check-inswithimmigrationoffi These individualsare required toattend they are permittedtolivehere indefi permanent statusintheUnitedStates,but who receive withholdingare noteligiblefor nonetheless receive withholding.Individuals meet theone-yearfi criminal convictionorbecauseoffailure to who donotqualifyforasylumbecauseofa 50 percent chanceofpersecution. Individuals that anapplicantshowthere isamore than issimilartoasylum,butrequiresWithholding Withholding ofRemoval being deportedcanbesubjecttocriminal Individuals whoreenter the UnitedStatesafter

If removed, theindividualcannot legallyreturn The individualmaybeineligibletoregain legal The individuallosespermissiontostayinthe without permissionfrom the UnitedStates. to theUnitedStatesforatleasttenyears, status againifhe/shelosesstatus. obtaining lawfulstatusinothercountries. United Statesandmayencounterdifﬁ ed legalcounsel,particularlyfor forillegalreentry. cials havebroad discretion whenitcomes toapplyingthewaiver, soindividualsin ling deadlinemay end nd themselves upinremoval (deportation)proceedings, particularly aftergetting le immigrationpetitions forotherfamilymembers. nitely. cials culty

following factors. • • • • about speakingtoalawyer, keepin When advisinganapplicantinthissituation with CriminalConvictions Legal OptionsforRefugees/Asylees

Assessing eligibilityfortheseformsofrelief An individualwhofearspersecutionortorture Individuals shouldobtainandkeepcopiesof Immigration lawclassifi returning. It has committed the severityofanycrimesthatanindividual will dependonnumerous factors,including of theseoptionsisdiscussedbriefl under theConventionAgainstTorture. Each crime, withholdingofremoval, orprotection applicant maybeeligibleforawaiverofthe even afterhavingcommittedacrime.The may beeligibletoremain intheUnitedStates enforcement. open and should share thoserecords withtheattorney. the police(evenminorinfractions),andthey any records theyhavefrom anycontactwith serious crime”forimmigrationpurposes. be anaggravatedfelonyora“particularly minor basedonstate-lawclassifi than moststates,acrimethatisseemingly immigration lawcategorizescrimesdifferently losing his/herimmigrationstatus.Because determine ifarefugee orasylee isatriskof classifi differently thanmanystate crimes cial intheirhomecountry. TheUnited cation underimmigrationlawwill maybeeligibleforprotection under honestaboutallcontactwithlaw is crucial andthebasisforfearof foranapplicanttobe es criminalconduct cult toassessand laws andthe cation may mind y below.

icted the

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 44 jeopardy. the applicant’s refugeestatusin considered seriousandcouldput or asylee.Somecrimescouldbe adjustment ofstatusasarefugee a lawyerbeforeapplyingfor disclose thoseconvictionsto convictions ofanykindshould Individuals withcriminal 44 Rainbow Response and benefi doing soprovides additionalprotection refugee/asylee topermanentresident because about adjustingtheirstatusfrom thatof clients you shouldencourage discussed above, immigration judge.As it shouldnotrequire goingbackbefore an one year. Thisprocess isadministrativeand the UnitedStatesasarefugee orasyleefor adjustment ofstatusaftertheyhavebeenin Refugees andasyleesare eligibletoapplyfor Permanent Residency to applyforpermanentresidency. Refugees andasyleesare required under UnitedStatesimmigrationlaw. the ConventionAgainstTorture who individuals Although refugees andasylees donotgenerallyrequire abuse andcrimeintheUnitedStatesare discussedbriefl not needlesslyapplyingforanimmigrationbenefi benefi that allowindividualswhoare thevictimsofcrimeordomesticviolencetoobtain Most refugees andasyleeswillnothaveaneedforadditionallegalstatusexceptintheinstances Refugees andasyleesmaybethevictimofcrimesinUnitedStates. status. Thecircumstances under same-sex for otherformsofimmigrationrelief because victims ofdomesticviolenceanddonotqualify important forLGBTindividualswhohavebeen residence (green card). isespecially TheU-Visa years, theindividualcanapplyforpermanent the countryforuptofouryears.Afterthree individual canworkandremain legallyin an of thecrime.OncegrantedaU-Visa, assistance intheinvestigationorprosecution that theindividualhasbeenorcouldbeof States ifalawenforcement agencycertifi victims ofcertaincrimestoremain intheUnited allowsindividualswhohavebeen The U-Visa U-Visa CAT, theyprovide aroute topermanentstatus. ts islimited,soitimportanttorefer theindividualtocounselensure thatanindividualis

marriage ts. qualifyasrefugees butwere grantedwithholdingofremoval orprotection under butitisimportanttounderstandthat isnotlegallyrecognized a refugee tobeproactive may serviceprovider, whicharefugee orasyleewouldneedtoapplyforoneofthese beneﬁ es

t from

these t. Thetwomostcommonbenefi to doityourself. refer theseindividualstoalawyer. Donottry a permanentresident card. Makesure to on changestofederalidentifi clear guidancefrom immigrationauthorities process isdiffi change who individuals transgender participants,youmaymeet As refugee serviceproviders workingwith change theirimmigrationrecords. Refugees andasyleesmaywantto spouse toalawyer. violence atthehandsofaresident orcitizen LGBT discussed inthissection,itisimportanttorefer circumstances, soaswithevery otherremedy can applyforprotection under VAWA insome protection underVAWA. LGBTyouth,however, domestic violencecannottakeadvantageof because ofDOMA,sosurvivorssame-sex same-sex relationships are notrecognized if thatrelative hasbeenabusive. Unfortunately, without relying ontheresident orcitizenrelative to petitionforpermanentimmigrationstatus resident orcitizen.VAWA allowstheseindividuals 21 whohaveaparent who isapermanent permanent residents andalso tochildren under VAWA appliestospousesofcitizensand Women Act(VAWA) Protection undertheViolence Against there are mechanismsinimmigrationlaw optionsbecause,unlikewithholdingand theprotections discussed above, individuals y below. on immigrationdocuments.This cult becausethere isalackof wishtogetanameandgender whoare victimsofdomestic cation cards like permanentlegal ts forvictimsof

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 45 5. MentalHealthServices 45 Rainbow Response • • • • set ofprinciples: All refugee resettlement workersneedtostartwiththefollowing with eachindividual’s ownlifeexperienceandwishes. do sofrom aclient-centered approach, atarateandinmannerconsistent acceptance, communityintegration, have arole insupportingLGBTrefugees/asylees intheirprocess ofself- homophobia. Refugeeresettlement agenciesandmentalhealthprofessionals accept themselvesandovercome thislegacyofshameandinternalized intimate emotions.ItcantakealifetimeforLGBTrefugees/asylees tofully emotional orsexualfeelings,andcriminalizingtheirmostprivate from oftendenytheirveryexistence,expectingthemtosuppress their they are somehowmentallyillor“notnormal.” services andmayfearmentalhealthworkersiftheygrew upbeingtold refugees/asylees are likelytohavemisconceptionsofmentalhealth maintain wellbeing.Resettlementworkersshouldbeaware thatLGBT Mental healthservicescanhelpLGBTrefugees andasyleesrestore or NearlyallLGBTrefugees/asylees havesuffered directly from Familiesofchoice(versusfamiliesorigin)haveaspecialimportance Same-sexpartnershipsare asequallyvalidandimportant Same-sexorientationisanormalvariantofhumansexuality. on mentalhealthandwellbeing. discrimination andviolenceoftensufﬁ to LGBTpersons. opposite-sex partnerships.

and cient tohavelong-termeffects autonomy, butitisimportantto Thesocietiestheycame

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 46 46 Rainbow Response from mentalhealthservices: Here are somekeymessagesyoucanuseif feelaprogram participantwouldbeneﬁ them orthattheyfearacknowledgingdisclosingtoanyone. Others mayhaveexperiencedsexualassaultortraumasthatembarrass will trytochangethemortreat theirsexualorientationasamentalillness. or aberrant.SomeLGBTpersonsfearthatmentalhealthprofessionals the ideaofseekingassistancefrom anon-familymemberisuncomfortable come from cultures inwhichthefamilyisprimaryunit,and support aspeopletransitiontoanewlifeincountry. Mostrefugees may believethatsuchservicesare for“crazy”personsonly, ratherthana Refugees ofteninitiallyreject theideaofmentalhealthservices.They Participants A. DiscussingMentalHealthServiceswithLGBTProgram • • • • • •

Mental healthworkerswillacceptone’s Counselors orothermentalhealth Mental healthservicesare not considered Mental healthservicesare intended tohelp Depression andanxietyare treatable, and Symptoms oftraumaticstress ordepression ar of whotheylove. not judgeorcondemnapersonbecause sexual orientationorgenderidentityand all informationconﬁ professionals are required bylawtokeep shameful inAmericanculture. rid ofaproblem. improve people’s well-being,notjusttoget and meetotherlifegoals. and keepemployment,pursueeducation, seeking treatment makesit easiertoobtain not amoralfailingorillness. e “naturalresponses tounnaturalevents,” dential. assistance instead. should notblamehimorherself,butseek that apersonexperiencingemotionaldistress faith ordismissculturalbeliefs,butemphasize don’t directly contradictaperson’s religious Addressing suchnegativebeliefs isdifﬁ punishment forsomeperceived offense orsin. or mentalillnessasspiritualmatters,ajust symptoms Refugees from somecultures mayinterpret of traumaticstress, depression,

cult; t

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 47 47 Rainbow Response at: www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx. with Lesbian,GayandBisexualClients.Thisresource isavailableonline American PsychologicalAssociation’s guidelinesforPsychosocialPractice agencies shouldassure thatmentalhealthproviders conformtothe community canacquire theskillstoworkwithboth.Refugeeresettlement immigrants andLGBTpersons,althoughthoseworkingwitheither Few mentalhealthprofessionals haveexperienceworkingwithboth sources inadvanceoftheneedforthoseservices. Resettlement agenciesshouldseektoidentifyappropriate referral obtain helpintheeventofacrisisinvolvingriskharmtoselforothers. depression andpost-traumaticstress disorder (PTSD),andshould Refugee resettlement workersare notequippedtorespond tosevere B. SelectingaMentalHealthProvider • • • • • • the followingbasicprinciples: In particular, mentalhealthproviders shouldbescreened toassure thattheyascribe to

Be opentounderstandinghowsexual Understand thatLGBTfamiliesmayinclude Have anawareness ofthepervasive Accept thatsame-sexrelationships have Reject unproven andunsafe efforts to“cure” Understand thatlesbian, family members; increase riskofviolenceorrejection by and beaware thatLGBTstatus may relationships withtheindividual’s family, orientation orgenderidentityimpacts related; individuals whoare notlegally orbiologically LGBT persons; impact ofdiscriminationandstigmaon relationships; equal relevance andvalueas opposite-sex homosexuality; of humansexuality; that same-sexattractionsare normalvariants orientations ar e notmentaldisorders, but gay, andbisexual

• • • •

Be aware that Be aware ofthepsychological and Be aware andresponsive totherisksof Be aware oftheimpactHIV onLGBT stressors forLGBTpersons; or nationalitymaycreate specifi among groups defi workplace discriminationandharassment. economic impactonLGBTpersonsof LGBT teenagers; bullying and referrals forhealthcare; health care providers tomakeappropriate with refugee resettlement agenciesand health, HIV, andSTIs,beabletowork persons, be opentodiscussionsofsexual familyviolencethatcanaffect confl ned byethnicity, religion, icting normsandbeliefs c risksand

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 48 48 Rainbow Response positive steptoward reducing dependencyandharm. an appropriate serviceprovider, orotherwisesupportedintakingevery LGBT refugees/asylees whofacetheseproblems shouldbereferred to have verylimitedoptionsintermsoffunctioningrecovery supportgroups. drug use.LGBTrefugees/asylees withoutEnglishlanguageskillsmay reluctant todiscussotherissuesresulting in“shame”suchasalcoholor Those whoare uncomfortablewiththeirsexualorientationmayalsobe fi are usefulformanypersonsstrugglingwithchemicaldependency, but every positivechange.Twelve-step programs suchasAlcoholicsAnonymous fi change, andactingonchange.Inadditiontohelpingrefugees/asylees path torecovery, startingwithrecognizing theproblem, contemplating Individuals facingchemicaldependencytypicallyfollowastep-by-step identity issues. unique toadolescentswhoexperiencesame-sexattractionorgender- greater needtoconformorfi with same-sexemotionalattachment,rejection byparents orsiblings, order todealwithothermore specifi —to conformtopeerexpectations,assertindependence,orrelieve teenagers mayusedrugsoralcoholforthesamereasons asotherteens stressors related todiscrimination,violence,orfamilyrejection. LGBT In othersituations,drugandalcoholusemaybeameansofescapefrom attractions, whiledistancingthemselvesfrom emotionalattachments. who are confl interaction. Useofalcoholordrugsmayalsopermitsomeindividuals others inbarsorprivatehomeswhere alcoholordrugsare partofsocial of theworld,LGBTpersonsmayhavelimitedsocialoutletsandmeet Because same-sexrelationships are criminalizedorhiddeninmuch Some LGBTpersonsstrugglewithdrugandalcoholdependency. C. SubstanceAbuse bor nd appropriate treatment services, resettlement workersshould encourage nding anappropriate program forLGBT edom ortension.However, LGBTteensmayalsousesubstancesin icted abouttheirsexualitytoactonsuppressed same-sex t in,andotherissuesofisolationorrejection c issues:diffi individuals culty incomingtoterms maybemore diffi cult.

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 49 49 Rainbow Response The medicalandmentalhealthprofessions in A noteontheDiagnosticandStatisticalManual–DSMIV: courseofactionontransgenderindividuals. to imposeanexternal client-centered approach thatdoesnotstigmatizeorshame,attempt counseling fortransgenderpersons,andwhoadhere toanethical, mental healthprofessionals whohavepastexperienceinsupportive with transgenderparticipantshaveaparticularresponsibility toidentify substance use,PTSD,andsuicide.Refugeeresettlement programs working changes. Allofthesefactorsleadtoelevatedriskmajordepression, undergo transitionandexperienceassociatedhormonalphysical Additionally, transgenderpersonsexperiencearangeofstressors ifthey lesbian, gayorbisexualpersons. transgender personsmayfearmentalhealthservicesevenmore than health professionals andthetransgendercommunity. Asaresult, and StatisticalManual(DSMIV),despitetheoppositionofmanymental are stillclassiﬁ of transgenderpersonsisstillamatterdispute.Transgender persons diagnostic manualforthementalhealthprofessions. However, thestatus sexuality, andneitherare listedasdisorders intheDSMIV, themain same-sex attractionandbisexualitytobenormalvariantsonhuman Most stressors facingLGBpersonsare ampliﬁ D. MentalHealthServicesforTransgender Persons ed ashaving“genderidentitydisorder” intheDiagnostic ed fortransgenderpersons. the UnitedStatesconsider

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 50 50 Rainbow Response self harmseriously. Take allthreats ofsuicideor before theytrytoendtheirlife. attempt suicidetellsomeone Eighty percentofpersonswho

• • • • • • • • • • • are atanelevatedriskof suicide: persons experiencingdepression andwho signsthataresome warning commonto depressed aboutgettingtreatment. Here are participant whoappearstobesignifi program participants,andtry totalkany Watch forsignsofseriousdepression among of arelationship orajob,maythenprecipitate self-harm. All asylees facemanyadditionalstressors already describedelsewhere. fi with theact.Refugeesandasyleesfaceloneliness,unemploymentor about suicideinanabstractwaywithoutactivelyplanningtocarrythrough hopelessness, leadingtoathreshold inwhichthepersonmaythink suffer from anumberofstressors, whichincrease depression and suicidal thresholds andtriggers.Apersonwithsevere depression may Manypsychologiststalkabout impulsively withlittleornowarning. sometimes harmorkillthemselvesafterdetailedplanning,actvery seem tobelesslikelycommitsuicidethanthegeneralpublic.People LGBT personshaveanelevatedriskofsuicide,althoughrefugees E. SuicideandCrisisResponse nancial diffi

Any suddenchangeinaffect inavery Talking aboutbeing“worthless”or“aburden” Changes insleeporeatinghabits Distractibility orlackofconcentration Lack ofmotivation Foreshortened orabsentsense ofthefuture Giving awayimportantorpersonalitems An increase inuseofdrugs oralcohol A changeinsocialinteraction—withdrawal Persistent sadnessorhopelessness Talking aboutsuicideordeath depressed person or “useless” (suicidal ideation) of thesecansetthestageforsuiciderisk.Atrigger, suchastheloss culties, andlossofcountryidentity. LGBTrefugees/

cantly

talking again.Askforclariﬁ silent foralittlewhileandletthepersonstart person totellhisorherstory. It’s okaytobe did thatmakeyousoupset?”Allowthe “That wouldbeupsetting”ratherthan“Why like “Thatmusthavebeenverydifﬁ Avoid judgmentallanguage. Usestatements minimize whatevertheyare feeling orexpressing. are “notasbadyou especially, do nottellthemthattheirproblems irrational orwrong tothink aboutsuicide,and active listening).Don’t tellparticipants theyare are listening(SeeSectionTwo onnotesfor possible. Makesure theindividual knowsyou trust isimportant.Findaprivateplacetotalkif have experiencedrecent rejection andbuilding Persons whoare contemplating suicidemay suicide, yourinitialresponse isimportant. If someoneexpresses adesire tocommit think” cation ifnecessary. or otherwise cult” or

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 51 1.800.273.TALK (8255). Suicide PreventionLifeline: Another hotlinenumberisthe 1.800.SUICIDE (784.2433). National HopelineNetwork: One ofthesehotlinesisthe suicidal, orforproviders. hotlines forpersonswhoare 7-days-a-week toll-freesuicide There areseveral24-hour, 51 Rainbow Response

ignore orminimizehisclaimsto of therefugeesinourprogram.Idon’t wantto to respond,butwehaveaddresstheneedsofall program participantisusingthisthreattogetus and assurethatwemeethisneeds.Ifeelasifthe this seemstobemoreanattemptgetattention and isalwaystalkingabout“killinghimself”but I amworkingwitharefugeewhoisverydramatic Dear Rainbow Welcome: communicate withasupervisorandco-workers. that thethreat ofsuicideissmall,youmust person doesnothaveaplanandyouthink safety oftheprogramEven participant. opportunity, immediatelyafter situation toyour approach andyoushouldcommunicatethe Any credible suicidethreat requires ateam assistance. Beaware ofyourlimitations. the threat iscredible, andobtainadditional responsibility toassesswhetheryouthink As anon-mentalhealthprofessional, itisyour the situationimmediatelywithasupervisor. someone monitoringtheperson.Discuss Establish ashort-termsafetyplanthatinvolves emergency. Do notleavethepersonalone. viable planshouldbeconsidered apsychiatric or wishtocommitsuicideandwhohasa depressed personwhoarticulatesanintent Does thepersonhaveaviableplan?Aseverely suicide andpaycloseattentiontothedetails. Ask thepersonifs/hehasaplantocommit Worried Resettlement Worker claims andthreatsseriously. What shouldIdo? himself, andIfeelaresponsibilitytotakethese supervisor attheearliest assuringthe want tokill ifthe

Rainbow Welcome Thanks, the real thing. suicide “threats” cansometimesbefollowedby other servicesorrequests. A Addr hospitalization ifthere isanimminentrisk. these statementsseriously, uptoandincluding can informtheparticipantthatyouhavetotake changes inbehavior. Ifthisbehaviorpersists,you plan? Ifso,create asafetyplan,andwatchfor and yoursupervisor. Doesthepersonhavea suicide. You mustreport thistootherco-workers very closeattentiontoanythings/hesaysabout Even whenworkingwithsuchaparticipant,pay their wellbeinginwaysthatmaybemanipulative. “killing themselves”alot,usingyourconcernfor Some program participantsmaytalkabout Dear WRW, ess thisissuedirectly andindependentlyfrom seriesofmanipulative

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 52 52 Rainbow Response of aforeshortened future. Thefi disconnection, restricted affect, orasense in activities,afeelingofdetachmentor indicated bydiminishedinterest orparticipation and anumbingofgeneralresponsiveness as avoidance ofanystimuliassociatedwithtrauma, imprisoned orcaptured duringtimesofcivilunrest orconfl who are knowntobeLGBTare oftensingledoutforsexualassaultwhen stress disorder (PTSD),orotherpsychologicaleffects oftrauma.Persons many LGBTrefugees/asylees suffer from depression, post-traumatic family violence.Becausetheexposure totraumaticeventsissohigh, refugees/asylees, andmanyhavealsoexperiencedsevere orprolonged or violencefrom policeorothersactinginoffi LGBT refugees andasyleesare more likelytohaveexperiencedtorture F. Traumatic Stress with majordepression orPTSDrelated totrauma. an environment of trauma,resettlement agenciesshouldcreate professionals skilledatworkingwithsurvivors individual. Whilereferrals shouldbemadeto to address theconsequencesoftraumain Trauma-specifi headaches andsleepdisturbances. have physicalorsomaticcomplaintssuchas Persons withsevere depression oftenalso agitated easily, orhavingdiffi withdrawing from socialcontact,becoming overwhelming sadness,problems withmemory, by persistentfeelingsofhopelessnessor accompanies PTSD.Depression ischaracterized consequence oftraumaticstress, andoften Major depression istheother common outbursts ofanger. hyper-vigilance, and/orirritabilityand asleep, suddenexaggeratedstartleresponse, including diffi of fl back ofthetraumaticeventandcanspark certain triggerswhichcausememoriestofl of theevent.PersonswithPTSDmayhave fl event, includingthrough recurrent dreams, results inpersistentre-experiencing ofthe the mindandbodydealwithstress. PTSD an individualtodevelopimbalancesintheway of severe and/orrepeated traumacancause fear, helplessness, which theperson’s response involvedintense death orseriousinjurytoselfothers,andin one ormore eventsthatinvolvedthreatened PTSD occursinsomepeopleafterexperiencing ashbacks orpanic.PersonswithPTSDexhibit ashbacks, intrusivememories,andthoughts PTSD symptomsinvolvehyperarousal, culty sleepingorremaining c interventionsare designed that or issupportiveofpersons horror. Theexperience culty concentrating.

nal category ood

• • • agencies mustrecognize thefollowing: Treatment programs andresettlement www.samhsa.gov/nctic/ Center forTrauma-Informed Care: and MentalHealthAdministration) National services atSAMHSA(SubstanceAbuse Please seeguidelinesfortrauma-informed environment forprogram participants. service provision share informationinternally, andcoordinate multiple services, their story. Resettlementagenciesthatprovide times LGBT traumatization byminimizingthenumberof Resettlement agenciescanavoidre- fear ofpoliceorsoldiers. presence ofuniformedguards whomaytrigger wait withunknownmaleparticipants;or or inwhichfemaleprogram participantsmay that resemble detentioncells orpolicestations, repaired radiators;waitingrooms orfacilities noises suchasconstructionsitesorpoorly can include:proximity toloud, unpredictable that mayexacerbatetraumaticstress. Examples carefully review operationstoidentify“triggers” informed services,but refugee resettlement programs provide trauma- the lifeofan a basicunderstandingofhowtraumaaffects assessed andpotentiallymodiﬁ organization’s policiesandprocedures are Trauma-informed servicesassure thatthe

The needtoworkcollaborativelywithsurvivors, The interrelation betweentraumaand The survivor’s needtoberespected, will empowersurvivorsandconsumers. human servicesagenciesinamannerthat family andfriendsofthesurvivor, andother depression, eating disorders, symptoms of regarding theirownrecovery; informed, andengagedinapartnership cial authoritythannon-LGBT participantsare required totell individual trauma can utilizeateamapproach, create amore comfortable seekingservices.Most (e.g.,substanceabuse, itisstillimportantto ict. andanxiety); ed toreﬂ ect

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 53 53 6. CommunityIntegration Rainbow Response tolerance andacceptanceamongrefugee andasyleepopulations. communities atlarge.Beloware severalrecommendations tofoster the waytheseindividualsare welcomedbyandintegratedintotherefugee excluded from theirhomecommunities,actioncanbetakentotransform to will facilitateLGBTparticipants’autonomy, security, safety, andtheability refugees andothermembersoftheircountriesorigin.Teaching tolerance communities, efforts shouldstillbemadetobuildbridgesbetweenLGBT refugees’ safetymightbetoseparatethemfrom theirethnicornational gender minoritystatus.Whileanimmediateapproach toensuringLGBT they facewithintheirowncommunities,asaresult oftheirsexualor individuals, theserefugees andasyleesmustalsonavigatetheisolation displaced persons,theyare designatedan‘outsider’status.AsLGBT LGBT refugees andasyleesexperiencedoublemarginality. Asforcibly A. Teaching Tolerance continued isolation. and mapoutplanstoprevent thispopulationfrom experiencing organizations tostrategizewayscollaborate,leverageresources, the resettlement agency. Resettlementagenciescanreach out asylees whotoooftenhavelittleornosupportfrom anyoneoutside refugees/asylees; operatingonsuchamodelwillbeneﬁ partnerships toexpandtheresources andassistanceavailableto The resettlement networkhashistoricallyrelied onpublic-private support iscriticaltosuccessfulintegration. supplementary ﬁ accompany anewlyarrivedrefugee toanappointment,orreceiving they transitiontolifeintheUnitedStates.Whetherit’s havingafriend support from friendsandfamilymembersare betterpositionedas offer; forthisreason, refugees whoare abletodrawuponadditional Resettlement agenciesare limitedinwhatassistancetheyare ableto thrive. Ratherthanresign tothenotionthatLGBTrefugees willbe nancial ormaterialresources from arelative, thisoutside

t LGBTrefugees/ to LGBT

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 54 Increasing refugees’ afﬁ using thisasanopportunityto offend participantswhilestill discussion isframedasnotto should becautiousinhowthe the conversationdelicately. One subject forstudents,approach Since thismaybeasensitive comfortable intheworkplace. to LGBT community butcanalsolead to theseindividuals. encourage toleranceandsupport people acrosstheglobeand only bene of LGBT understanding andacceptance 54 Rainbow Response rm theexistenceofLGBT staff feelingmore peoplewillnot ﬁ

t membersoftheir andasylees’

Integrating LGBTIssuesintoESLClasses community. Criticalmessagestoconvey: in theUnitedStatesandhighlightLGBT You canalsoincorporateasectionondiversity including health,rights/protections, in thesectionsalready mandated peoples. LGBTspeciﬁ promote andencouragetoleranceforall Cultural orientationisanexcellentforumto Presentation DuringCultural Orientation • • • • •

> > ESL classesalsopresent an opportunityto What makestheUnitedStatessorich Individuals donot‘choose’tobeLGBT Same-sex attractionisnotamatterof LGBT individualscomefrom every - WhatdoyouthinkpeopleintheUnited - From where youcome,whatdopeople - Whathaveyourexperiencesbeenwith - WhatdoyouknowabouttheLGBT vibrant is instructors maywanttoask: participants inadialogue.Somequestions engaging to elicitquestionsandconcerns, cultural for jobs,theyalsocanserveasextended for thepurposeofpreparing participants classes mayprioritizelanguageinstruction diversity in further explore LGBTissues anddiscuss an attractiontoward theoppositesex. exactly thesamewaypeopleinherently feel attracted tomembersofthesamesexin personal choice.Somepeopleare inherently community from everyculture ThePresident oftheUnitedStatessupports IntheUS,samesexcouplesare generally danger. Healsoissupportiveof initiatives toprotect LGBTpeople do youthinkaboutthis? you asnewAmericansshouldknow. What accepted bysociety. Thisissomethingthat marriage. States thinkaboutLGBTpersons? think aboutLGBTpersons? LGBT individuals? community? adjustmentsessions.Utilizethistime itsdiversity theUnitedStates.WhileESL

c infocanbeintegrated by same andsafety. PRM, facing and sex

• • • • • •

You maydecide tofocusonsexual Emphasize communitybuildingacross Transitioning toanewlifeintheUnitedStates Just likerefugees contributetotheUS’ Participants mayhaveinaccurate If someoneexpresses areligious objection, the ideaofsame-sexattraction. may beeasierforparticipantstounderstand least wheninitiatingthis orientation rather together! cultures andcommunities.We’re allinthis smooth atransitionaspossible. how theyidentify, hasresources tomakeas who comeshere asrefugees, regardless of Let’s worktogethertomakesure everyone support oftheagencyandfriendsfamily. about howhelpfulithasbeentohavethe receive anyassistancefrom others.Think can beoverwhelming.Imagineifyoudidnot cultural tapestry, sodoLGBTindividuals awareness andtolerance. such asthismayresult inincreased young boys.Clearingupmisunderstandings perception isthatgaymen are attractedto For to acknowledgeanddebunkmistruths. (see SectionOneforMyths).Take thetime assumptions abouttheLGBTcommunity make themillegalonreligious grounds. are sinful,thestatecannot andshouldnot Even ifonefeelsthatsame-sexrelationships life, there isaseparationof church andstate. their privatereligious beliefs, butthatinpublic discuss howpeoplehavethefreedom of example, unfortunately, aprevalent thangenderidentity, at conversation,asit 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 55 55 Rainbow Response or remedying conﬂ gender identity, thefollowingrecommendations mayhelpinpreventing disapproval oftheirchildren’s real orperceived sexualorientationand/or threats toarefugee childoradolescent.Ifadultparticipantsexpress in therare eventthatgendernon-conformityresults inactualphysical with questions.Thismayrequire yourorganization’s activeintervention come toatrustedteacher, resettlement worker, orotherstaff member orupsetparents“feminine” activities.Thismayconcern andthey “like a may beassimpleaboywhoisperceived tobeeffeminate andplays or are perceived tobeLGBT. Inothersituations,gendernon-conformity original culture orinUSsociety. Insomecases,theindividualsidentifyas or youngadultswhodonotconformwithgendernormseitherintheir Sooner orlater, allagenciesresettle familieswithchildren, adolescents B. FamilialMediation social standingtoaffect change. powerful techniquetoleverageaparticipant’s reinforced byotherrefugees orasyleesisa relative. Havingserviceproviders’ messages LGBT individualsfrom afriend,neighbor, or asylees tobetoldthere isaneedtoaccept will alsobemore persuasiveforrefugees/ members oftheirowncommunity. Itperhaps comfortable discussingtheseissueswith and inclusion,participantsmayfeelmore to serviceproviders’ messagesondiversity While refugees andasyleesmayberesponsive Refugees asAmbassadorsandAllies girl,”oragirlwhois“tomboy”andexpresses nointerest in ict.

accept the individuals havealsoproven more likelyto community, advocatingonitsbehalf.These responsibility tostrengthen andorganizethe and integration. is recruiting anallyfrom withintoconductoutreach participants excludedfrom theirhomecommunity, college-aged who, there are oftenyoungadults,highschool-and Among refugee andasyleecommunities, communities; they assumed leadershiproles withintheirrespective proﬁ a promising waytofacilitateinclusion ciency andaccesstoresources, have LGBT community. Ifthere are LGBT basedontheirEnglish have beengrantedthe

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 56 56 Rainbow Response to whatitactuallymeanshaveaLGBTfamilymemberintheUScontext. andfrustration,educatingthemonsensitizing listening totheirfears,concerns, not havinggrandchildren. Asyouengageparticipantsindiscussion,strikeabalancebetween potential impactonthefamily’s statusandreputation intheircommunity, orevenfearsabout being a“failed”parent,abouttheirchildren’s concerns future religious belieforafﬁ implications are if whatthe is LGBTbecauseofhows/heacts,behaves,ortalks.Theymaybeconcerned Participants maynotknowwhatitmeanstobeLGBT. Theymightassumeachildoftheirs Modeling andencouragingtolerancethrough behaviorandeducation • • •

Parents howadolescents mightbeconcerned Allay fears—youngchildren whodonot Afford participantsthetimeandspaceto raising familiesoftheirown. can livesuccessfulandfulllives,including of origin.ExplainthatLGBTpeopleintheUS persons are treated backintheircountries if theyare LGBT, basedonthewaysLGBT or youngadultswillfare in theUnitedStates up tobestraight. gender non-conformingchildren willgrow children willgrow uptobeLGBTandsome young children; somegender-conforming are imprecise andnotusefulinthecaseof or future sexualorientation develops asanadolescent. orientation or and ultimatelycan’t change whateversexual to enforce genderconformity canbedamaging adolescents. Explaintoparents thattrying sex genderidentitywhentheybecome not havesame-sexattractionsoropposite conform togenderstereotypes mayor cultural values. surrounded bynewandunfamiliar about and anxiety country, anxiety general anxiety:anxietyaboutlivinginanew to theirchildren maybecompoundedby to lifeinanewcountry. Theirresponse process ofamajortransitionastheyadapt express howtheyfeel.Theytooare inthe gender their abouttheirfamily’s wellbeing, theirchildren growing up childdoesinfactidentifyasLGBT. Suchfearscanincludeabout identitythechild gender Predictions of identity

• • •

Parents are sometimesdistraughtover Parents mightbelievethatadolescentsor In mostcases,familyconfl over identity offamilymembers. to acceptthesexualorientationorgender who same religious community sometimes possibleto religious beliefsofprogram participants,itis resettlement agenciesshould respect the to religious ormoralreasons. Whilerefugee their adolescentoryoungadultchilddue the sexualorientationorgenderidentityof orientation orgenderidentityoftheirchildren. United Stateshasnotchangedthesexual as othersare inherently straight;livinginthe indicates individualsare inherently LGBTjust important youclarifythatscientifi result young adultsadoptedaLGBT‘lifestyle’as requirements maycomeintoplace. is ariskofviolence,mandatedreporting based approach, andasafety plan.Ifthere but require supervisornotifi of familyviolence.Suchincidentsare rare, adolescent oryoungadultmightbeatrisk nonconforming children, or might usephysicalpunishment should monitorsituationsinwhichparents However, refugee resettlement workers or genderidentitydiminishesovertime. a of childoradolescent’s sexualorientation resettling intheUnitedStates.Itis fi nd ict oranxiety inwhichan families cation, ateam- liation, havecome ongender c research withinthe

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 57 Initiative’s recommendations. review Rainbow Welcome support theparticipant. Then might taketointerveneand colleagues onwhatstepsyou Brainstorm withyour 57 Rainbow Response another Eritrean familywhosechildisLGBTmaybebotheducationalandcomforting. a widenetworkandmaybeableto of LesbiansandGays(PFLAG)toseeifyoucanconnectwithanotherEritrean family. PFLAGhas illegal, aseriouscrime,andcouldresult indeportation.ContactParents, Families,andFriends abouttheparentsconcerned responding violently, youmustremind themthatchildabuseis that punishmentforplayingwithdollsornotsportswillbecounterproductive. Ifyouare he willidentifylateroninlife.Someboysare effeminate justassomegirlsare ‘tomboys.’Emphasize E. isstillayoungboy, youcanexplainthathowE.actsasachildmayhavenoimplicationfor Using talkingpointsdescribedabove,inquire whytheparents areEspeciallysince concerned. What youcando: even hitthechildinorder totoughenhimup. cure himbefore hegrows uptobegay. Theyare akindfamily, butyouare worriedthattheymay even more. E’s parents haveheard aboutgaypeopleandfeelliketheyhavetointervenestrongly to try even effeminate, more thanboys,andsaysthathe“wantstobeagirl.” program, andhisparents accessmultipleservicesatyouragency. E.likesdolls,playswithgirls E. isasixyearoldboyfrom aMuslimEritrean family. Heparticipatesinarefugee family Case Scenario: to gethiminterested incarsorplayingsoccerwiththeotherboys,hecries,whichupsetsthem atthisage.Hisparents worrybecauseheisnotmasculineenoughandwhenthey of fer supportandcounselingtoyourparticipants.Talking to He isnotinterested insports,andactsvery

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 58 58 Rainbow Response There are parallelsbetweenLGBTandrefugee communitiesas integrating diversevoicesfrom around theworld. more vibrant,more accessible,more inclusive,andmore powerfulby stand togainfrom theserelationships. TheLGBTcommunitybecomes previously felt.Refugeesandasyleesare nottheonlyonesthoughwho for marginalizedpopulationsingeneral. groups canjoinefforts toadvancetherightsofandimprove conditions discrimination. Buildingoneachother’s strengths andresources, these share manychallenges,needs,andgoalsofminoritypopulationsfacing in themasenseofpride,confi their sexualorientationorgenderidentityisaffi afforded thesupporttheyneedanddeserve.Perhapsforfi tap intoaconnectednetworkandfeelsenseofbelonging.Theyare When refugees andasyleesare immersedintheLGBTcommunity, they well asmaterialresources. provide resettlement ofrefugees andasylees.LocalLGBTorganizationscan The LGBTcommunityhasanopportunitytoplayacriticalrole inthe C. AccessingSupportfrom LGBTCommunities • • Establishing TieswithLGBTOrganizations

Service providers canreach outtoLGBT The ﬁ of understanding(MOUs). mechanisms, anddevelopingmemorandums organizations, establishingformalreferral - Socialgroups andactivities - Casemanagement - Recreational activities - Psychosocialsupport - Health likely offer diverseservices, including: number oforganizationsastheywillmost coalitions, andallygroups. Try toidentifya assistance inidentifyingLGBTorganizations, in yourlocalarea. Universities canbeof refugees andasylees. agencies willbeneﬁ support thispopulationbutalsohowtheir Discuss withthemwhythere isaneedto rst stepistoidentifyLGBTagencies additional t from reaching outto assistance,offering emotionalandsocialsupport,as dence, andself-worththeymaynothave •

Though LGBTorganizationsshouldhave LGBT - HowlocalLGBTcommunity-based - Culturalbackgrounds - Specialconsiderationsforthispopulation - Orientationtoresettlement process - Whorefugees andasylees are andwhy can address inthismini-orientation include: refugee andasyleecommunities. Topics you for staff, providing background populations. Offer experience workingwithrefugee orasylee the culturalcompetencytoworkwith this population organizations canplayarole insupporting as abarriertoresettlement) (such ashistoryoftorture or housingissues they resettle intheUS individuals, rmed byothers,instilling

theymaynothavemuch toconductanorientation rst time, informationon they

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 59 59 Rainbow Response and youyouragencycanworkwithlocalLGBTorganizationstohelpmakethishappen. There are anumberofwaysforrefugees andasyleestogetinvolvedintheLGBTcommunity Collaborating &Creating Community letting themknowitmay participants. You canprepare participantsby the introduction mayinitiallyoverwhelm local LGBTcommunity Ultimately, whilethere isgreat potentialforthe together andthislosscanbedevastating. them, theyare notabletoapply forresettlement from backhomemayhave beenlikefamilyto important toremember that whilethesefriends very different from whattheyknow. Itisalso States andare presented withaLGBTcommunity be discountedwhentheycometotheUnited LGBT friendsandneighbors.Thisfactcannot able tocarveoutanintimatecommunityof back home,manyofthemmaystillhavebeen culture. with ornotaccustomedtoWesternLGBT community. Participants maybeuncomfortable refugees’ andasylees’integrating intheLGBT Cultural differences mayalsoposeabarrierto Cultural Differences isolation atthetimeofresettlement. individuals from experiencing continued that connectionsare made toprevent these arrived person.Whatismostimportant language andiswillingtobefriendthenewly is anotherLGBTindividualwho refugee resettlement agencies, including LGBTorganizationsandother studies inEnglish,askaround thecommunity, case, whileyourparticipantscontinuetheir in thelanguagesofparticipants.Ifthisis may nothavethecapacitytooffer services Unfortunately, manyLGBTorganizations Language Capacity Considerations forPotentialObstacles adjust andfeelcomfortable. • •

Establish amentorshipprogram where a Hold socialandeducationalsessionsin of aLGBTorganization. refugee orasyleeispartnered withamember stories andexperiences. LGBT individualsare abletoshare their which refugees/asylees andAmericanborn Despite theirlivinginhostileconditions

toserveasaresource, take timebefore they speakstheir toseeifthere

or abusiverelationship isdeveloping. for anyred ﬂ participants abouthowthingsare going;look Continue tohave of andexpectationsforthispartnership. connecting partners,clearlyoutlineparameters advances. Afterscreening mentors and on theirbehalf.Theymaymakesexual participants’ lives,makingimportantdecisions Mentors mayoverlyinvolvethemselvesin programs foranyothergroup ofrefugees: programs andmentorships asformentorship considerations pertaintoLGBToriented engaging ininappropriate behavior. context, there isan When establishing this community, itis asylees are linkedupwithmembersofthe mentorship program where refugees and If yourorganizationdecidestoengageina Overstepping Boundaries • • •

Support groups canoffer individualand Organize recreational activities. Seek interpretation supportfrom local family assistance. less scrutinyfrom astudentinterpreter. university students.The ags thatsuggestanunhealthy necessarytoscreen mentors. conversations inherent sortofproject inany participant riskinmentors

withyour Thesame mayfeel

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 60 60 Rainbow Response case orare interested inreceiving training,pleasecontact:RainbowWelcome@ regardingtechnical assistance.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns aspeciﬁ www.RainbowWelcome.org. HeartlandAlliance alsooffers onsiteand remote participants’ individualcircumstances. Foradditionalresources, pleasevisit and interventionsaccording toavailableresources, organizationalcapacity, and speciﬁ and offers instructionsonhowyoucaneffectively tailorservicestomeetthe heartlandalliance.org. begin topursuenewpossibilities. yoursupportandguidance,theycanresettle safelyand them forsuccess.With vulnerabilities, theirresilience anddeterminationtocarveoutnewlivesposition While LGBTrefugees andasyleesare confronted withuniquechallengesand c needsofthisrefugee community;youmayneedto adaptapproaches

Conclusion This ﬁ eld manualpresents bestpractices c

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 61 9/26/12 8:40 AM P17274.indd 62 62 Rainbow Response Appendix I lesbian women. 1. Iamcomfortableinteractingwith Self-Assessment Assessing Discomfort: gay men. 2. Iamcomfortableinteractingwith and safesexpracticestoparticipants/clients. 6. Iamcomfortabletalkingaboutsexualhealth the samesexshowaffection toeachother. 5. Iamcomfortableseeingtwoindividualsof transgender individuals. 4. Iamcomfortableinteractingwith bisexual individuals. 3. Iamcomfortableinteractingwith Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always sexuality andgenderwithparticipants/clients. 7. Iamcomfortablediscussingissuesof 12. Ihaveprovided servicestoLGBTindividuals. 11. Ihavecolleagues whoidentifyasLGBT. 10. IhavefriendswhoidentifyasLGBT. someone whoisHIV-positive. 9. Iamcomfortableproviding servicesto organizations. 8. Iamcomfortablemakingreferrals toLGBT LGBT individuals. or tasksIﬁ 13. There are certainjobresponsibilities and/ No Yes No Yes Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always Never Sometimes Always No Yes No Yes nd harder tofulﬁ ll whenworkingwith

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 63 63 Rainbow Response Appendix II or implementnewpracticesandpolicies. already doingwell.Whenyouidentifygaps,worktodraftideasandstrategieseitheradjust As youreview theseguidelinesandconsiderations,thinkaboutwhatyourorganizationis Organizational Assessment

There isaformalgrievancepolicyfor Offi LGBTrefugees andasyleeshaveaccess LGBTtopicsare included inthegeneral AnorientationisdesignedtoinformLGBT Staff ismindfulofusingparticipants’ Outsideinterpretive servicesare available Staff membershaveundergonesensitivity Participants’sexualorientationorgender Confi Appropriate referrals are madetohealthcare participants. gender-inclusive. cultural barriers. fi Accommodations are madetoaddress to medicalcare andmental-healthservices. remain culturallysensitive. mixed gendergroups toensure thatorientations Special attentionshouldbepaidifthere are or genderidentityhavenotbeendisclosed. reaches eventhosewhose sexualorientation participants, ensuringthatinformation cultural orientationforallrefugee andasylee inclusive ofLGBTindividuals. health andsafedatingpracticesis to discussingmattersrelating tosexual gender identity. Anorientationdevotestime state lawsregarding sexualorientationand refugees andasylees,aswell asfederaland refugees andasyleesabout theirrightsas written communication. preferred genderpronouns inverbaland participants. This willensure theconfi members ofthecommunityforinterpreting. to rely onfamilymembers,friends,orother so thatresettlement agenciesdonotneed training onLGBTissues. by participants. staff oroutsidepartiesunlessgivenapproval identity isnotdisclosedtootherresettlement are practicedandenforced. and concerns. population andare sensitivetotheirneeds who haveexperienceworkingwiththeLGBT providers andmentalhealthpractitioners nancial, transportation, language,and cial documents andformsare dentiality anddiscriminationpolicies

dentiality ofLGBT

Resettlementagenciesare engagedwith LGBTfriendlyemploymentandvocational Roommatesare screened toensure refugees Neighborhoodsare vettedtoassure security LGBTrefugees andasyleesare offered Methodsare establishedtoidentifyandgain Anassessmentprocess iscreated to Efforts are madetoprovide LGBT PartnershipswithLGBTserviceproviders are LGBTspeciﬁ Efforts are madetoadvocateonLGBT opportunities forparticipants. LGBT communitiesinidentifyingwork discrimination employeepolicies. participants inorganizationswithnon- Preference isgivenforplacingLGBT their needforaLGBTfriendlyworkspace. program willnotbeterminatedbasedon asylees’ participationintheMatchingGrant services are provided. LGBTrefugees’ and supportive oftheLGBTcommunity. and asyleesare housedwithindividuals for LGBTpersons. the participant. living arrangementsthatfeelcomfortableto affordable housingoptionsandare placedin orientation orgenderidentity. to whichrefugees/asylees maymove. access toLGBTresources incommunities and outcomes. to monitorandreport participants’progress supportive services.Procedures are inplace asylees’ acculturationandaccessto determine thesuccessofLGBTrefugees’/ refugees andasylees. organizational partnerswithtrainingon medical care, andothernecessary support. social services,mentalhealth formally establishedtooffer comprehensive LGBT refugees andasylees. expected existenceofnon-disclosing refugee resettlement program duetothe made availabletoallparticipantsinthe due totheirself-identiﬁ ensuring thattheseindividualsare notisolated refugees’ behalfinimmigrant communities, c servicesandreferrals are ed orperceived sexual

9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 64 64 Rainbow Response Appendix III 4. Goal: 3. Goal: 2. Goal: 1. Goal: List theaction,person(s)responsible, andprojected start/ﬁ to LGBTrefugees andasylees. to yourorganization’s policies,practices,andservicestomore effectively identifyandrespond We encourageyoutotakethetimediscusswithyourteamchangescanmake sense astowhatstepsyouragencycantakestrengthen servicesforLGBTparticipants. From reviewing theﬁ Department: ______Workplan toStrengthen ServiceProvision 5. Goal: c. Timeline: b. Person(s)Responsible: a. ActionStep(s): c. Timeline: b. Person(s)Responsible: a. ActionStep(s): c. Timeline: b. Person(s)Responsible: a. ActionStep(s): c. Timeline: b. Person(s)Responsible: a. ActionStep(s): c. Timeline: b. Person(s)Responsible: a. ActionStep(s):

eld manualandorganizationalassessment,youshouldnowhavea

nish dates. 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.indd 65 65 Rainbow Response Appendix IV Risk AssessmentTool THREAT Possible QuestionsandConsiderations • Doyouhaveaccesstosupportive services? accommodationsifyouhadtoleaveyour current• Doyouhavealternative residency? • Are youengagedinanybehaviorthatcouldresult indeportation? • Howwouldyourfamily/friends/neighbors/employerrespond ofyour iftheylearned • Isyourphysicalsafetyatrisk? sexual orientation/genderidentity? (A, B,orC) LEVEL PRIORITY

BARRIERS and COMMENTS 9/26/12 8:40AM P17274.inddP17274_Cover.indd 12 2 9/14/12 10:01 AM P17274.indd 67 9/14/129/14/12 10:10 10:01 AM AM Design and photography by Claudia Renzi.

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