Event Overview

As part of Refugee Week 2025, join us on the 19th of June for a 1-hour online awareness-raising workshop designed for county-level agencies and service providers who work with refugees and international protection applicants (IPAs). This session will highlight the often overlooked needs and challenges of LGBT+ refugees and IPAs - and offer practical guidance on how to create more inclusive and supportive environments.

Why This Matters

While many agencies work hard to support refugee populations, the specific experiences and challenges faced by LGBT+ refugees and IPAs frequently remain invisible. This invisibility can lead to gaps in care, unintentional exclusion, and missed opportunities for meaningful support.

What You'll Learn

The unique barriers and risks LGBT+ refugees and international protection applicants face during displacement and resettlement - from risks in their countries of origin to isolation, discrimination and lack of safety in accommodation systems here in Ireland.
Why their needs are often invisible - and why visibility matters
Concrete steps your agency can take to become more inclusive
Ways to collaborate with organisations working directly with LGBT+ refugees and IPAs
Opportunities for future engagement, including in-person workshops and partnerships

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for staff in local authorities, county-level services, and refugee support organisations seeking to deepen their understanding and build more inclusive practices.

Participation Guidelines

To ensure a respectful and inclusive space for everyone, we ask all participants to agree to the following ground rules:

Respectful engagement - Treat all participants, facilitators and communities discussed with respect.
Non-judgmental listening - Approach the session with an open mind. Avoid assumptions or generalisations about groups or individuals.
Zero tolerance for discimination - Any language or behaviour that is discriminatory, including homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia or racism, will not be tolerated.

By registering for this event, you agree to uphold these principles and help us create a safe and respectful environment for all.

Our Goal

This session is about raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and working together to ensure that no refugee is left behind because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Understanding the Specific Needs of LGBT+ Refugees