Arsène

“We need LGBTIQ+ associations in the reception centres. I didn’t have that.”

© Julien Thiébaut

Arsène is 23 years old and comes from Cameroon. He left his country because he did not feel safe there. He chose to seek asylum in Belgium and is staying at Le Refuge Bruxelles/Het Opvanghuis Brussel. He did not imagine that he would experience homophobic attacks when he arrived. He found support in LGBTIQ+ associations. In Cameroon, homosexuality is not accepted and is punishable by 6 months to 5 years in prison.

Arsène wants to be a well-known artist and use his art to raise awareness of LGBTIQ+ refugees.

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Judit

“LGBTIQ+ people have specific needs that are invisible because of the cissexism present in the reception system.”

Jean-Loïc

« My partner was lynched by the crowd. Neither the police nor the justice system protected me. I had to flee my country to stay alive. »

Claudia

“Trans people are vulnerable in a system that does not have a gender perspective adequate to their needs.”

Zein

« We come here to have peace and to live our lives as human beings. »

Hzani

« I was rejected by my family because I am trans. All my life I have been abused and institutions have never protected me. »

Sara

“Take the time to learn about LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers’ specific needs.”

Emmanuel

« It is necessary to develop reception and accommodation facilities for LGBTIQ+ exiles in order to provide them with inclusive, caring and safe spaces. The multiplication of these centres across France will facilitate their asylum application process and their integration. »

Joana

“I grew up in an environment of hatred, I was surrounded by hatred.”

Jade

“Being visible can serve to liberate me and tell what I want to tell a society that believes there is no transphobia.”

Rodrigo

“The social network, the basis of inclusion, is built primarily on leisure.”

Rajae

“Being a lesbian in Morocco is so taboo that people wonder if it really exists.”

Adil

“The procedure can take 2, 3 or even 5 years sometimes. During this time we live in stress and fear.”

Emelyne

“One of the first requests here is for a cocoon, a space to call your own.”

Huguette

“When I was made visible, I had to leave everything, I was threatened with death.”

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L'univers visuel de Rainbow Welcome!

L’identité visuelle de Rainbow Welcome! a été développée par Alison Roger France, en collaboration avec PLS et tous les partenaires.

Alison a étudié la complexité de la sexualité, des orientations sexuelles, du genre, des expressions de genre, des identités, des caractéristiques sexuelles, de la fluidité entre les différents spectres, etc. Elle a également adopté un processus de création incluant le parcours des réfugié·e·s dans la vie et sur terre pour aboutir à ces formes organiques dont les natures, les mouvements et les textures visent à illustrer la multiplicité et la complexité de chacun·e et de tous les individus. Bien entendu, les couleurs du drapeau LGBTIQ+ ont été utilisées. L’ensemble se veut dynamique, intriguant et… positif ! Notre message est celui de l’accueil et de l’inclusion, comme le stipule notre devise « Réfugié·e·s rainbow, BIENVENU·E·S ! ».

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