Online Symposium: Covid-19 & Queer Asylum
29th of April 10 AM - 4 PM
To leave no one behind we need to grasp racism in its intersections with other forms of discrimination. Therefore we are happy that we can contribute to this intersectional perspective on racism. This symposium is intended to provide a platform for discussing the manner in which the coronavirus pandemic and its political responses affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and inter* (LGBTI) refugees in Germany and Europe. It will take place on 29th April 2020 from 10am-4pm European Central Time.
“Covid-19 & Queer Asylum” is a virtual symposium about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on LGBTI refugees/persons seeking asylum in Germany. LGBTI refugees/persons seeking asylum, NGO representatives and politicians will discuss questions around isolation, health and community in the context of the pandemic, followed by a Q&A session around Covid-19 and LGBTI asylum.
The symposium will explore such questions as: How does the pandemic exacerbate isolation for LGBTI refugees? How does such pandemic re-trigger trauma and affect the mental health of LGBTI refugees? To what extent is access to community and health services compromised? How does COVID-19 strenthen solidarity and community? How do postponed asylum decisions and hearings affect LGBTI persons everyday life? How does the lack of hygiene in cramped asylum camps particularly affect those with autoimmune deficiencies?
Program - 29th of April
10.00 – 11.15 am - A European Perspective on Covid-19 and Queer Asylum
11.30 am – 12.30 pm – Isolation and Trauma
1.30 – 2.30 pm – Access to Community, Health and Support
2.45 – 3.45 pm – Information Session on Covid-19 and Queer Asylum
Accessibility:
The event is free and everyone is welcome.
The event will take place on Zoom. To take part you can register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-symposium-covid-19-and-queer-asylum-tickets-89216991423?aff=ebdssbeac When registered, you’ll have the possibility to ask questions or make comments via the ZOOM chatbox.
The event will also be livestreamed here on Facebook (no registration necessary, no comments/questions possible).
Please find more information on the website: http://queereuropeanasylum.org/covid-19-symposium/
A note from the organizers:
"Covid-19 and Queer Asylum" is an online event that takes place in lieu of the planned face-to-face conference ‘Under the European Asylum Rainbow: Queer Intersectional Challenges 2020” initially scheduled for 29th April 2020. Instead of canceling the conference, we decided to initiate a conversation on how Covid-19 affects one of the most vulnerable minority group; LGBTQI+ persons seeking asylum and refugees. The original conference will take place on 25th of September. http://queereuropeanasylum.org/
The symposium is organized by Dr. Mengia Tschalaer (University of Bristol and John Jay College of Criminal Justice NYC) in collaboration with AIDS-Hilfe Frankfurt, Rainbow Refugees Frankfurt / Main - lesbian, gay, trans, queer; Sogica - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Claims of Asylum, Lesben- und Schwulenverband - LSVD, Bundesstiftung Magnus Hirschfeld; European Coalition of Cities Against Racism - ECCAR; Hessischer Flüchtlingsrat and Gunda-Werner-Institut.
