External Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomers
Supports for 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomers
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Maggie’s – Toronto Sex Workers Action Project
Understanding The Refugee Process and Hearing Preparation
Our 2SLGBTQI+ Community Health Worker can support you with information around the refugee process and hearing preparation. There are also other organizations that can help.
My Refugee Claim was developed by Kinbrace Community Society, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Canada), and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada – Refugee Protection Division (Western Region) and has a step-by-step guide to the refugee process, including how to make a claim, gathering evidence and preparing for your hearing. The site also has information about resources and supports across Canada.
The Queer Refugee Hearings Program Toolkit was developed by Capital Rainbow Refuge and teaches about refugee claims based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and/or sex characteristics (SOGIESC), and includes a questionnaire to help work on your narrative and see what evidence can be helpful to your case.
Meet Gary is a site created by a team of refugee lawyers and refugee law researchers and offers information in English, Arabic, French, Mandarin and Spanish to refugee claimants about the Immigration and Refugee Board and refugee hearing process.
FCJ Refugee Centre has Virtual Ready Tours, RPD (Refugee Protection Division) officers will explain happens during a refugee hearing and how to prepare. Interpretation can be provided.
The 519 has a Mock Refugee Hearing Program for LGBTQ+ refugee claimants that can offer support in pr. Translation services may be arranged.
Matthew House has a simulated hearing program where refugee claimants can practice telling their story and get feedback. Interpretation is provided.
For Service Providers
Our Among Friends 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Team is available for conversations, consultations, referrals, education, workshop facilitation, program and policy recommendations and more. If you’re interested in connecting with us please send us an email at amongfriends@accessalliance.ca