Ella Anthony knew she had to leave Nigeria when, after escaping a forced abusive marriage, her relatives threatened to turn her in to police because she is gay. Nigeria criminalizes same-sex relationships, so Anthony faced possible prison. In 2014, she fled with her partner Doris to Libya and then Italy, where they both won asylum by claiming a well-founded fear of anti-LGBTQ+ persecution back home.
While many migrants arrive in Italy escaping war, conflict and poverty, advocates say an increasing number are fleeing prison terms and death sentences in their countries due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite huge obstacles to get asylum on LGBTQ+ grounds, Anthony and Chinonso prove it can be done, even if major challenges remain for “rainbow refugees” like them.
“If you’re lucky you end up prison. If you’re not lucky, they kill you,” said Chinonso, 34. “Here you can live as you like.”
Most European nations don’t keep data on LGBTQ+ persecution asylum claims. But NGOs say the numbers are rising as over 60 countries, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, pass or toughen anti-homosexuality laws. This trend is highlighted on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
“The ultimate result is people trying to flee these countries to find safe haven elsewhere,” said Kimahli Powell of Rainbow Railroad, which assists LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. His group received about 15,000 requests last year, up from 9,500 the prior year, including 1,500 from Uganda which criminalized homosexuality.
The asylum process isn’t easy or guaranteed. Privacy concerns limit questions on sexual orientation. Some migrants don’t immediately identify as LGBTQ+ due to social taboos. An EU directive grants special protection but implementation varies across countries.
“We’re talking about people victims of a double stigma: being a migrant, and LGBTQ+,” said lawyer Marina De Stradis. Even in Italy, services differ by region, with Rome having only 10 designated LGBTQ+ migrant beds.
Activist Antonella Ugirashebuja said lack of protections especially endangers lesbian migrants, who lacking family support, can end up in sexual exploitation.
Anthony, 37, said prison threats compelled her exodus. After her family “sold” her into abuse marriage, she left but faced relatives threatening to report her for being gay. The fear drove her to attempt suicide before taking a trafficker’s Europe offer.
After risky trips through Libya and across the Mediterranean, Anthony and Chinonso claimed asylum as part of a persecuted group in Nigeria. Though struggling economically in Italy, they feel fortunate.
“It gave me the opportunity to grow,” Anthony said.