This is the third blog in our series going through the process of applying for asylum on the basis of your sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. You can also read our first blog on starting your application, our second blog on the differences between the screening and substantive interviews, and read or watch our full guide in 11 languages.

We have detailed guidance on the key points for LGBTQI+ asylum claims, drafting your statement, gathering evidence, and the interview process. We also have some practical tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing throughout this process, as we know how stressful it often is. You can find a summary of both below.

If you are receiving support from us, it is very important that you let us know as soon as you are told about your interview date. If you are waiting to be contacted, please email us again on hello@rainbowmigration.org.uk to say you have received an interview date. We will organise a time to speak with the you the week of your interview, or request for another Casework Coordinator to make contact if the person who usually works with you is not available. 

Drafting your statement

Before your interview, write a statement explaining your story in your own words. This will help you stay clear and consistent. Please note that our advice is always to check your statement with a solicitor before submission to the Home Office.

Things to include:

  • Explain your education history and any employment you had in your country of origin or elsewhere;
  • Details of your family, such as what your parents did back home? How many siblings do you have?
  • What was it like for you growing up? What was your family environment/background like?
  • When did you realise you were LGBTQI+? How did you realise this? How did you feel?
  • Did you live openly and did anyone know/find out about your sexual orientation or gender identity? If so how, and what happened when they found out?
  • Describe any LGBTQI+ relationships or experiences you had in your home country. Did you have to hide these and how did you do this? Did you face persecution if you were caught?
  • Explain any experiences or incidents relevant to your case, e.g. any persecution you faced in the past in your country of origin, or if you managed to avoid persecution, how did you do this?
  • Describe any abuse and mistreatment you faced while in your country;
  • Explain why you decided to flee your home country, describing the events in the order they happened, ending with the reason why you decided to leave or cannot return;
  • Provide some details of your journey to the UK, even if it was a direct flight;
  • If relevant, explain why you did not claim asylum as soon as you arrived in the UK;
  • Explain why you fear returning to your country and why you believe you would be persecuted – and who or what you fear, what will happen to you if you were returned to your country?
  • Explain why you could not seek protection from the authorities in your country and why you could not relocate to a different part of your country;
  • Explain if you have any health issues – both physical and mental;
  • Are there other reasons why you want to stay in the UK? E.g. do you have family or community ties here? Have you been in the UK for a long time now?

Guidance to prepare 

  • Read your witness statement beforehand and check you are happy with it. 
  • Reach out to us if you need support. This process can be very emotionally draining. 
  • If you would like a friend or a partner to accompany you to the interview, your solicitor can request this. 
  • Be on time and plan your route beforehand. 
  • Check with your solicitor that the Home Office are aware of any accessibility issues and have been informed if you need an interpreter. 
  • Take some food and drink with you as it can be a long day, check if there are any shops in the area. 
  • Try to sleep as well as you can the night before. Please see below for links to help with sleep. 

Things to remember on the day 

  • Notify the interviewer immediately if you do not understand the interpreter or if they are saying something wrong or are not translating correctly. 
  • Take breaks and ask for these when you need them. 
  • Explain your experiences clearly and with confidence in your answers, do not rush, you can take as much time as you need to answer questions. 

Make sure 

  • You have seen your solicitor. 
  • If you need to speak with our legal officer about the advice you have received from your solicitor, please let one of our Casework Coordinators know or email hello@rainbowmigration.org.uk  
  • Your solicitor reviews the transcript after the interview and notifies the Home Office if anything is incorrect. 
  • You access support from other charities or healthcare providers, or friends and family if needed. 

Read more about how to start your asylum application as an LGBTQI+ person, the differences between screening and substantive interviews, and read or watch our full guide in 11 languages.