Mental health problems in LGBTQ refugees:

While the world at large has become significantly more accepting of LGBTQI identities, there are still many countries in which people belonging to that group are persecuted and are unable to live a safe and peaceful life because of their LGBTQI identity. Because of that there are many queer refugees.

Because of the trauma caused by difficulties people have faced in their origin country, the strain of the flight, the difficulties of resettling in a new country, separated from old family ties and friends and many other factors, a lot of LGBTQI refugees struggle with mental health problems such as but not limited to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, substance abuse or anxiety.

Compared to other refugees and migrants, LGBTQI refugees often lack the support of their ethnic community in their new country. But because they are new to the native society, they also often don’t form relationships with people from there either. This can lead to LGBTQI refugees experiencing extreme isolation and loneliness, which can further already existing mental health problems and cause new ones.

Another problem is that some LGBTQI refugees might be wary of their new surroundings and not want to disclose their LGBTQI identity to anyone, in fear of experiencing the same persecution they did in their country of origin. Because of that it can often be hard for them to receive help in any way, but especially related to their mental health.

The process of asylum application can also cause a lot of mental strain for LGBTQI refugees. Disclosing their reason for flight, giving detailed descriptions of their experiences of discrimination in their country of origin or simply having a gender marker in their ID that does no longer match their physical appearance in societies eyes can cause many difficulties which again negatively impact mental health.

If you are struggling with your mental health as a LGBTQI refugee or forced migrant, we have some resources for you on our website.

Here is a general article about mental health in LGBTQI people
Here is a list of rights you have as a LGBTQI person in Germany
Here is an article and some information on the asylum process for LGBTQI refugees in Germany
Here are some guidelines for newcomers to Germany
Here you might be able to find a LGBTQI organization that also helps refugees near you

If you are struggling with suicide thoughts, please contact one of the following for help:

Telefonseelsorge (Languages: German)
☎ 0800 1110111
☎ 0800 1110222
☎ 116123

Muslimisches Seelsorgetelefon (Languages: Türkçe | العربية |  اردو )
☎ +49 30 4403 08 454
⇨ http://www.mutes.de/home.html

Telefon Doweria (Languages: Русский(
☎ +49 30 4403 08 454
⇨ http://telefonseelsorge-berlin-brandenburg.de/6_Doweria/index.html