When LGBTQI+ individuals face a lack of basic necessities, increased instances of sexual violence, or lack of access to mental health and healthcare, HIV-positivity rates increase.
World AIDS Day Spotlight: Uplifting Grassroots Solutions for LGBTQI+ Refugees
December 1 is World AIDS Day, an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. Globally, more than 39 million people are living with HIV. Despite major strides in prevention and care made in recent decades, HIV remains a major public health issue.
When LGBTQI+ individuals face a lack of basic necessities, increased instances of sexual violence, or lack of access to mental health and healthcare, HIV-positivity rates increase. HIV-positive LGBTQI+ asylum seekers face additional barriers to safety, such as a lack of access to necessary medication while in immigration detention.
On World AIDS Day, it is critical to reflect on the intersecting factors that impact the safety of LGBTQI+ communities around the world.
In addition to resettlement, Rainbow Railroad provides direct capacity building and livelihood support to human rights defenders, organizations and collectives in countries where people are displaced. Many of the organizations that Rainbow Railroad has partnered with provide holistic support to LGBTQI+ people, and face the realities of HIV prevention and care on a daily basis.
Unique Health and Social Support Needs of LGBTQI+ Communities
The criminalization of LGBTQI+ identities can make it significantly more challenging for LGBTQI+ people to access necessary services.
Danniel Kabonge, Executive Director at Refugee Independence Support Organisation, a nonprofit based in Kenya, shared the following reflections about the unique needs of LGBTQI+ communities in accessing vital healthcare:
“LGBTQI+ communities, especially those living with HIV/AIDS, face unique health and social support needs. These individuals often experience compounded marginalization, including discrimination in healthcare settings, lack of culturally competent care, and internalized stigma about their HIV status.”
Kabonge also explained how LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are disproportionately impacted by gaps in these services, “Undocumented status creates a significant barrier to accessing care, as healthcare providers often require documentation. Many individuals avoid seeking help due to fears of being reported or detained, which only worsens their health outcomes.”
George Hopkins Kachimanga, the Executive Director of the Social Justice Foundation in Malawi, shared similar structural and legal barriers to consistent, meaningful care, “Due to legal restrictions and social stigma, many healthcare providers are reluctant to offer comprehensive services to LGBTQI+ patients, leading to delays in diagnosis, inconsistent treatment, and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy.”
Partner organizations also referenced a lack of resources tailored to support specific communities, such as gaps in research about care for trans women living with HIV/AIDS.
Community-Led Responses Emphasize Holistic Approach to HIV/AIDS for LGBTQI+ Population
While there are many barriers to care for LGBTQI+ communities, grassroots organizations have taken creative approaches to meeting their communities where they’re at, providing vital services with an intersectional lens.
Kariuki Alfie, the Director at Community Support Initiative for Refugees (COSIR), described how the organization is providing holistic support for LGBTQI+ refugees in Nairobi:
“COSIR has been able to offer mental health support to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers in Nairobi, Kenya that allows for psycho-social support groups where community comes together to share with one another their experience in a supportive positive environment. Through different socio-economic empowerment programs LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are able to empower themselves and make a sustainable living for themselves which allows those living with HIV/AIDS to take care of their basic needs including proper nutrition.”
Danniel Kabonge explained the importance of building trust in order to better support LGBTQI+ populations, “By offering referral services to LGBTQI+-friendly clinics and providing accompaniment to appointments, we’ve been able to help individuals overcome the fear and stigma that prevents them from accessing HIV care.”
How You Can Be a Part of the Global Response to HIV/AIDS
On this World AIDS Day, it’s clear that the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic requires solidarity, advocacy, and collective action. LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers face unique barriers to accessing healthcare, and grassroots organizations often provide vital support systems. Community members and allies play a critical role in ensuring these barriers are addressed and dismantled.
As Danniel Kabonge from RISO explains, we can all help by “raising awareness about the barriers to healthcare faced by undocumented LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers.” This includes amplifying their stories and pushing for policies that protect their right to health.
Sulah Mawejje, Director of The Nature Network, a transgender and gender non-conforming refugee-led organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, highlights the importance of collaboration, emphasizing the need to focus on “strengthening partnerships and leveraging global platforms to advocate for inclusive HIV/AIDS prevention and care services.” When we unite across sectors and borders, we can create systems that leave no one behind.
Kariuki Alfie from COSIR reminds us that support must be human-centered: “Allies need to support community-based HIV support programs that provide a human-centered approach to the specific needs of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers.” These programs can offer beacons of hope in a system that often disregards LGBTQI+ refugees.
This World AIDS Day, consider how you can contribute to these efforts. Whether through advocacy, partnership, or direct support, your actions can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.