In this lecture, for LGBT History Month, we'll be joined by Claire Fletcher, a former Birkbeck Master's student and current PhD candidate at University College London, who is researching the experiences of queer asylum seekers.

Due to the levels of persecution, harassment and violence LGBTQI+ people still experience all around the world, there is a need for LGBTQI+ people to seek safety in countries other than their own. In the UK, asylum claims based on sexual identity first came under recognised refugee protection in 1999. However, LGBTQI+ people face unique barriers in seeking asylum in the UK, which will be explored in this talk.

*lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and/or intersex

Who is Claire Fletcher?

Claire Fletcher is a PhD candidate at University College London. Her research focuses on how queer asylum seekers experience religion during their asylum journey and whilst seeking asylum in the UK. Her research is funded by the Economic Social Research Council. She has a Master’s Degree in Global Migration from UCL and a Master’s Degree in Global Politics from Birkbeck, University of London. Claire also works at the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group, a charity that promotes equality and dignity for LGBTI people seeking asylum in the UK, as an LGBTQI+ Asylum Support Worker.

What is Get Started: Big Ideas?

Get Started: Big Ideas is a series of thought-provoking free public lectures from emerging researchers from Birkbeck, University of London on a wide range of subject areas. The series is run by Birkbeck’s Access and Engagement Department and usually takes place in community venues across London, most recently at Stratford Library. During the COVID-19 lockdown we’ve taken the series online, with help to navigate the online platforms available for those with low digital confidence. The lectures are open to everyone, regardless of previous educational experience. Email us to find out more: getstarted@bbk.ac.uk

Format of the event

This event will be streamed on YouTube Live. We will send Eventbrite attendees the link to join us closer to the time. This event will consist of a 20-minute lecture followed by 20 minutes of discussion and questions. If you have any questions you'd like to submit in advance, please email them to getstarted@bbk.ac.uk.

Information for under 18s

Please note: If you’d like to attend any of our online events and are under 18, please ensure that you have an adult with you in the room.

Accessibility information

Please contact us in advance of the event at getstarted@bbk.ac.uk with your accessibility requirements so that we can ensure you will be able to get the most from these online events. For example, having a BSL interpreter or any other support.

We would also recommend looking at AbilityNet for individual adjustments you can make to your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone to make it easier to use.

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