Sarah Toce
The Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration has released a groundbreaking resource guide for LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico City. It is the only contemporary guide of its type.
ORAM’s guide for LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico City contains information regarding LGBTIQ and refugee rights and provides details about organizations that offer services related to housing, health care, employability programs, and educational opportunities.
“With this Guide, LGBTIQ refugees can easily see what services they can access, what their rights are and make an informed decision about their future in Mexico, or elsewhere,” ORAM’s Director of Programs, Anja Limon, said.
LGBTIQ refugees staying longer-term in Mexico City still face immense challenges.
“LGBTIQ refugees often flee violence, persecution, and discrimination in their home countries, seeking safety in Mexico. However, upon arrival, they frequently encounter similar barriers, including xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia,” ORAM board member, Enrique Torre Molina, LGBTIQ activist and founder of Colmena 41 based in Mexico City, shared.
This Guide helps LGBTIQ refugees in Mexico City overcome some of those challenges by connecting them with friendly and welcoming services via a “Rainbow Route” map.
ORAM began its work in Mexico in 2019, primarily along the U.S.-Mexico border. However, more LGBTIQ refugees are choosing to stay in Mexico longer-term as the country has made significant progress in advancing LGBTIQ rights, including marriage equality.
“Traveling through Mexico to its northern border is the most common way for asylum seekers to reach the U.S., so countless LGBTIQ asylum seekers pass through Mexico every year and many of them decide to stay longer term in Mexico as well.,” said Steve Roth, ORAM’s Executive Director.
After nearly one year of research and input directly from the LGBTIQ refugee community in Mexico City, ORAM’s Guide is now an available resource for the community.
