FEATURES
8 The Linguist Vol/58 No/6 2019
ciol.org.uk/tl
Why it's important that LGBTI+ asylum seekers
have access to LGBTI+ interpreters. By Anna Ware
In 2018-2019, 31,589 people applied for asylum in the
UK, seeking refuge. Most of these people have been
through unimaginable suffering and trauma, both in their
home country and on their journey here. Once they arrive,
they have to negotiate the complex asylum process.
Language is a crucial part of this process and should not
be a barrier to making a claim. The quality of interpreting
can have a direct impact on the services provided, from
guidance at the asylum contact centre to legal assistance,
as well as on the outcome of their asylum claim.
Each year, around 2,000 asylum applications are made
by LGBTI+
1
people fleeing persecution, abuse and
violence due to their sexual or gender identity. Same-sex
relations are illegal in 70 countries, with six imposing the
death penalty. In many more countries, homosexuality
and transsexuality are not accepted culturally, leading to
suffering, isolation and cruelty, not aimed solely at the
individuals themselves but also at their family and friends.
Last year, only 39% of asylum applications were granted
on an initial decision, and this drops to around 20% for
A safe space
