Among the various findings and recommendations included in the dossier, the following three points – presented in a non-exhaustive manner – illustrate some of the issues raised by professionals and stakeholders working with LGBTQIA+ applicants for international protection in Belgium:

• Lack of adapted reception facilities: Stakeholders report that life in reception centres often exposes LGBTQIA+ individuals to psychological, physical, and sexual violence. In cases of homophobic or transphobic attacks, it is frequently the victim who is relocated, while perpetrators rarely face sanctions. Several stakeholders advocate for the creation or expansion of reception centres specifically dedicated to LGBTQIA+ persons seeking protection.
   

• Insufficient training and resources: The report highlights an urgent need to train reception centre staff, social workers, and interpreters on the specific needs and terminology related to LGBTQIA+ applicants. This would improve support and understanding of the violence they face and improve support. However, the interpretation service “Univerbal,” which specialises in these topics, currently lacks the financial resources to meet all requests. Contributors also emphasise the need to enhance LGBTQIA+ knowledge among caseworkers at the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS), or at least to adapt interview questions to be less gendered and Western-centric.
   

• Western-centred approach and excessive delays: According to professionals, the asylum procedure does not sufficiently consider the specific realities in some countries of origin. In contexts where publicly expressing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is dangerous or impossible, it becomes particularly difficult for applicants to “prove” their homosexuality or trans identity. Additionally, waiting times — sometimes up to three years or more — jeopardise integration processes such as housing, employment, and social relationships, and cause significant psychological distress.

In conclusion, Prisme calls on the Belgian authorities to increase the budget allocated to associations and Rainbow Houses (Maisons Arc-en-Ciel), create and support reception centres specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals, provide training and raise awareness among all relevant actors, ensure better institutional coherence and cross-sectoral follow-up, promote social and professional integration, and facilitate the consideration of LGBTQIA+ people’s experiences throughout the asylum procedure.

For further information, please read (in French) the press release from Prisme.