Homonationalizing LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Canada: Policy, Service, & Mental Health Implications


Nick Mulé, York University

Canada touts itself a ‘safe haven’ for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees, given Canada is one of a limited number of countries that will accept asylum seekers and refugee claims on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Yet, to what extent does Canada live up to the notion of an inclusive new homeland for such individuals? This paper is based on findings from an international study in which qualitative, semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugee claimants and service providers in Toronto, Canada. The critical analysis of the data was premised on queer liberation theory that celebrates the diversity of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and their varied authenticities. LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugee claimants face extensive challenges from arduous journeys, port of entry issues, to seeking status processes, and attaining proper resources and supports. Often these journeys are traumatic both pre- and post-arrival, resulting in serious mental health challenges that digress from inclusion. Upon arrival, LGBTQI+ migrants soon face accessibility issues in finding culturally sensitive services. The refugee system and social services often perpetuate stereotypical understandings of sexual/gender identity/expression that are insensitive to cultural diversity. Refugees endure the anxiety inducing claims process wherein they must “prove” their LGBTQI+ identities to Canadian officials, the same identities that forced them to escape authorities in their homeland. Such policy clauses are implemented during the asylum and/or refugee review process undertaken by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada. Despite undertaking ongoing reviews and releasing updated guidelines, the IRB has chosen to maintain its proceedings calling for LGBTQ asylum seekers and refugee claimants to prove their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression over their experiences of persecution, at once exposing the discriminatory and homonationalist elements of the process. No other grounds for which asylum seekers and refugee claimants base their cases require such proof. Given that essentialist and binary notions of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are the criteria utilized, such procedures impose traditional Westernized notions of these characteristics with recolonizing effects on individuals who are attempting to resettle in Canada. While seeking credibility of its claimants, the IRB is contributing to the mainstreaming of LGBTQs to fit homonormative expectations simultaneously undermining the diversity of these populations. The personal life experience of seeking asylum or refugee status has multi-level implications on the mental health of such individuals, particularly if they have LGBTQI+ sensibilities or identify as such. Although Canadian asylum and refugee policies have shifted between conservative and liberal federal governments, the promise of openness and possible acceptance, is not materially matched by existing health care and social services upon arrival. A major reason for such incongruencies are systemic service gaps that fall short of adequately addressing LGBTQI+ issues. Additionally, the IRB’s refusal to remove the proof of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression policy is both discriminatory and homonationalist towards such claimants. This paper is relevant to the theme of the session as it will provide findings from an international study that focuses on the experiences of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and/or refugees and service providers in the migration sector in Toronto. The findings speak to serious policy flaws, an under resourced newcomer services sector, and importantly the discriminatory and homonationalist implications of our refugee process regarding LGBTQI+ claimants. The paper is also closely aligned with the Conference theme as the critical analysis exposes subtle forms of ongoing hate towards LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees and the vulnerability of a shared future in their attempts to resettle in Canada.

This paper will be presented at the following session: