See Conference BLOG for updates

The conference will be launched at the House of Lords 5th July 2010 (Hosted by Baroness Joyce Gould) and will be held at the University of Greenwich 6th – 7th July 2010.

This conference presents a major opportunity for stakeholders from the academic, public, voluntary and private sectors to discuss and debate issues around asylum seeking resulting from human rights violations based on sexuality and gender identity.

As the title suggests, this conference will explore the double jeopardy faced by LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) Asylum seekers and Refugees. Firstly, from their own nation because of who they are and then secondly, from where they seek asylum. The latter was highlighted at the launch of the Over Not Out Report in the House of Lords on 12th May 2009. That Report was commissioned by Charlotte Keeble, the Research and Consultancy Manager at Refugee Support which is the refugee services arm of Metropolitan Support Trust (MST).   MBARC (Michael Bell Associates Research and Consultancy)  carried out the research. Baroness Joyce Gould, who hosted the event, said: "This report must be used to open doors for this group; we need to use it to influence policy, make a change." Delegates from the Home Office, UK Border Agency, The National Housing Federation and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group were urged to consider the reports findings and recommendations.

The aim of this conference is to provide a forum for the transfer of knowledge among academics, legal practitioners, activists and voluntary and private sector service delivery organisations in order to make a lasting impact in the areas of social policy and international human rights

We have received confirmation from the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and the Bar Council confirming 10 Hours CPD for the conference.

The conference will be organised around the two broad themes set out below.

First Jeopardy:  Fleeing Persecution

A range of workshops and seminars exploring why people seek refugee status based on their sexual orientation and what the legal and political responses are to those claims. 

Second Jeopardy:  Meeting the Needs of LGBTI Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Public and voluntary sector service providers in the UK are committed by law to policies that promote equality and inclusion for all.  We will present a series of workshops and seminars exploring the extent to which the needs of LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers are being met with particular reference to the political landscape of equality and inclusion, not only within the UK but also further afield. We hope that this conference will be a great opportunity to share best practice and ideas to improve the life chances available for LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees.

Conference organizers welcome proposals from organizations and individuals for research (completed and in development), seminars, workshops, round-tables and presentations. 

For further details please see ‘Call for Papers’ tab in the navigation menu above

A number of people from different organisations are involved with the planning of this conference. (Please see linked logos on right hand side)

If you would like to be a sponsor of this event please contact Anne Cormack (Chair of Conference Planning Committee). See ‘Contacts’ tab in the navigation menu above.

All proceeds above the cost of running the conference will be donated to UKLGIG (UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group)

We look forward to seeing you at the conference

KEY DATES

Monday 8th March       

Early bird Registration opens

Friday 16th April      

Submission Proposal Deadline

Friday 21st May      

Second Round: Submission Proposal Deadline

Tuesday 4th May - 21st May         

Feedback on Proposals

Friday 14th May        

Early bird Registration Deadline

Friday 28th May        

Presenters Registration Deadline

We will accept late registration because we received confirmation of CPD points late