Beyond Boarders: LGBTQ Refugees, Immigrants and Human Rights Today
Thursday, December 16, 6:30 pm (CST)
LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees have unique experiences, routinely facing discrimination, persecution, and violence due to their identities. Same-sex relationships are criminalized in certain countries and are sometimes punishable by death, leaving many with no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere.
In recent decades, the number of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers in the United States has risen. While the U.S. is home to more than 900,000 LGBTQ+ immigrants, they are largely restricted from accessing health coverage and continue to have one of the highest uninsured rates. On top of this, many refugees face additional barriers in what is often a months-long process of applying for a work permit, which frequently includes heavy travel and occupational restrictions.
Join us for a virtual panel discussion and hear personal stories about LGBTQ+ immigration from migrants and legal experts.
Panelists include Karolina López, a Mexican transgender woman who is the current director of Mariposas Sin Fronteras, an organization that provides support to LGBTQ+ people in immigration detention centers; Pauline Park, a Korean transgender woman who was first openly trans person chosen to be Grand Marshal of the New York City Pride March; Lynly Egyes, current Legal Director at Transgender Law Center (TLC) and former Legal Director at the Sex Workers Project (SWP) at the Urban Justice Center. Bek Erl, current paralegal with NIJC’s LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative and former paralegal on NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense Project, will moderate the discussion.
Community Partners: GirlForward; Chicago Cultural Alliance; RefugeeOne
Reservations are required. Members must sign in to take advantage of their member discount.
Non-Members (Virtual): $5.00
Members (Virtual): Free