Celebrating Pride Month is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQI rights worldwide. It is a time to honour the resilience and achievements of the LGBTQI+ community while acknowledging the challenges they continue to face, particularly in conservative countries like Pakistan. These countries' laws criminalise same-sex relationships, and societal norms steeped in conservative values further marginalise communities.

Despite these adversities, local activists bravely continue to advocate for their rights, seeking to create safe spaces and promote awareness.

In the UK, LGBTQ asylum seekers face a different set of challenges. Many flee their home countries to escape persecution, only to encounter scepticism and hostility in the asylum process. The Home Office often demands detailed and sometimes invasive proof of their sexual orientation or gender identity, making an already traumatic experience even more difficult.

Amidst these struggles, a sense of hope persists. LGBTQI+ communities and allies worldwide continue to fight back against discrimination and oppression. Their unwavering courage and solidarity remind us that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to a more inclusive and accepting world.

Numerous organisations, such as Rainbow Migration, campaign and work tirelessly to support these asylum seekers, providing legal assistance, emotional support, and advocacy for fair treatment.

In this episode, Azadeh Hosseini hosts Prof. Richard C. M. Mole, the Professor of Political Sociology and Director of the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, Hiba Noor, an EbE, an LGBTQI+ activist and a transgender woman, Jason Thomas-Fournillier, an EbE, a columnist and an LGBTQI+ activist with Carla Manso, the Communication Manager at Rainbow Migration.

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