LGBTQIA+ at the heart of democracy this IDAHOBIT 2026

This 17 May, the Asylum Seeker Centre (ASRC) observes the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Thirty-six years after the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its Classification of Diseases, this worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities arrives in perilous times. While some countries advance self-identification and anti-discrimination laws, others enforce legislative rollbacks and ban gender-affirming care. Transgender and gender-diverse people, in particular, bear the brunt of this hostility.

This year’s theme, “at the heart of democracy”, reminds us that democratic societies must be grounded in equity, justice and freedom for all. It highlights the urgent need for global solidarity to combat discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals and foster safer workplaces, schools and communities. 

Here are some facts compiled by the global IDAHOBIT Advisory Committee:

• 65 UN member states still criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts
• at least 62 restrict freedom of expression on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics issues
• legal gender recognition based on self-determination is only available in 18 countries at the national level
• only 9 UN member states restrict unnecessary medical interventions on intersex minors at the national level

At the ASRC, our Gender Clinic provides specialised legal support to people seeking asylum who face persecution based on their gender or sexuality. LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum are particularly at risk given their marginalised status, often facing greater risks in their home countries and, when seeking protection, are often subjected to inappropriate, invasive questioning by assessing authorities. Our lawyers prioritise psychological safety, ensuring clients can articulate their truth without re-traumatisation. 

The impact of this approach is visible in real lives. In 2024, the Gender Clinic supported Jennifer*, a trans woman from Türkiye who fled family and community violence due to her queer identity. Working on a remote farm in Victoria, she encountered a man who presented himself as a migration agent and lodged a Protection visa application containing false information for why she needed to seek protection. This supposed agent did not tell her what information he was including and Jennifer felt too unsafe to speak with him about her sexuality. This resulted  in Jennifer losing an opportunity to have her true claims for protection assessed and the Department of Home Affairs refused her application . 

When Jennifer reached us, we created a safe environment for her to share her full story. Our team helped her to lodge an application with the Administrative Review Tribunal and drafted a detailed statement explaining her true claims. By her Tribunal hearing, Jennifer had transitioned and was also able to confidently advocate for herself. Her case was successfully remitted to the Department, recognising her refugee status.

Legal advocacy is only part of the journey. Rahul*, a gay man from India, approached the ASRC after years living in Australia without a visa, sleeping rough and financially depleted. The Gender Clinic helped lodge his Protection visa application and secured work rights. We connected him with our Housing program that provided crisis accommodation and later on long-term supported housing. Rahuli also received access to our Foodbank and external mental health support specialised in supporting LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum. 

With the compounding trauma of displacement, homelessness and uncertainty, Rahul struggled to engage with the legal process and would often miss critical appointments. Our lawyer attended his interview with the Department of Home Affairs with him and the dedication of our team ensured he never fell through the cracks and was able to get back on track to securing protection.

IDAHOBIT reminds us that for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum, survival often depends on navigating systems not designed for their realities. Our Gender Clinic combines legal support with wraparound care to ensure LGBTQIA+ individuals are not merely processed, but empowered to rebuild, lead and thrive. As global hostility escalates, we renew our commitment to dismantling barriers, challenging discriminatory practices and supporting every person seeking the right to live openly, safely and without fear.

* The clients’ names have been changed to protect their privacy.