LGBT Refugees Made Progress in 2011

 Much attention this year was focused on LGBT immigration and asylum in 2011, according to Paul Canning, a LGBT activist who serves as editor of LGBT Asylum News. In a year-end wrap up, Canning reported on some news highlights that affected LGBT refugees, including:

Wider recognition of African LGBT refuges. One academic study estimated that 6,000 LGBT Africans flee to Europe each year, and thousands have ended up safely in South Africa.

A landmark Supreme Court decision in the U.K. that ended a long held "go home and be discreet" policy towards LGBT asylum seekers.

Most European Union nations adopting rules that recognize both sexuality and gender identity as grounds for asylum claims for the first time.

Australia passing a law clarifying protection rights for gay refugees.

Canada's conservative government offering assistance to LGBT refugees, while the Obama administration provided funding for the "first LGBT asylum support project in Chicago and a new refugee route began to deliver LGBT to sanctuary in San Francisco."

Visit LGBT Asylum News to read Canning's full report.