Whilst sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) aren’t vulnerabilities in themselves, people with diverse SOGIESC are more vulnerable to be the victim of certain traumatic events, including physical and sexual violence. They are also likely to share similar experiences resulting from societal stigma and a discriminatory rhetoric. Stigma, discrimination and persecution contribute towards an environment which forces the concealment or discretion of people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This can result in severe psychological harm, and is frequently accompanied with feelings of shame, internalized homo/transphobia, and a fear of being ‘outed’. Moreover, without the necessary and appropriate space, the nuanced process to explore one’s orientation or identity is often not possible prior to seeking asylum. As a result of these particularities, there are certain considerations and legal protections that are specific to SOGIESC asylum claims, of which an appropriate approach would need to take into consideration.

As Fenix recognises the wide variation of asylum claims and adapts to the constant flux of the Greek asylum system, an emphasis on capacity bridging has given us the space to holistically and collaboratively share specialized knowledge such as this with other actors, projects and communities.The reciprocal approach, a model that recognizes and strives towards connecting diverse forms of knowledge, allows information to be optimized and ensures that the actors working with asylum seekers in Greece have the necessary tools to provide services that are intersectional, well-informed and consider different particularities and specializations.

In the last year, we have trained over 130 participants on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of asylum in Greece, with each training tailored to the audience. A typical training session involves a presentation followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Overall, participant feedback has been positive and the questions asked during trainings reveal the practical implications of capacity bridging in the day-to-day efforts of organisations in Greece, including a reconsideration of terminology used, evaluation and revision of forms and documents, and an increased awareness of the vulnerabilities and legal protections.  

The trainings were in-part informed by expertise and externally-obtainable facts, such as the legal framework, likelihood of vulnerabilities, and procedural violations. However, the human or lived experience is another form of information which is central to obtaining and representing the complete picture. The experience, challenges and impact of having to flee one’s country because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is something that an external perspective cannot determine, decide or speak for. As it is the people who are affected that have this knowledge, it should be their voices driving the discussions and raising the concerns.

After identifying this gap, and to ensure an accurate and inclusive representation, focus groups were conducted. This qualitative approach aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the issues, and avoid the imposition of a Eurocentric lens and unwarranted assumptions. The focus groups initially began as small groups discussing appropriate terminology and approach, and became much larger and widespread, collaborating with organizations across Greece to obtain information and hear the opinion and experiences of a wide-range of people seeking asylum on the basis of their SOGIESC. The information that was obtained informed advocacy and capacity bridging efforts.

These trainings intend to ensure that the organizations involved in the support of SOGIESC applicants, both in terms of their day-to-day needs and their asylum claims, are equipped with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of SOGIESC individuals, as well as their entitlements in the asylum process. When capacity bridging is done holistically and uses information that is accurate and well-informed, it is beneficial to all participants and can contribute towards a system of optimizing knowledge and skills within a certain context to ensure services are appropriate and additionally marginalized identities are accommodated for.