Rodrigo

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

© Nuria Prieto Escuer

Born in Chile, he is a community psychologist with extensive experience in community settings. He migrated to Spain in 2002 because of several bad experiences due to his sexual orientation.

In 2003 he founded ACATHI, to fight and work for LGBTIQ+ migrants and refugees.

He actively participates in networks at local, national and European level to improve the care of LGBTIQ+ migrants and refugees.

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© Nuria Prieto Escuer

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Yury

When I escaped from Ukraine, I went first to Poland and then to Italy, where I sought political asylum. In one of the shelters I was before I came to Casa+, I felt very lonely.

Huguette

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

Juan

I left my home country because of discrimination and harassment by the police. Casa+ is the second community experience in Italy for me; before that, I was in another shelter, in which I have been mistreated by other beneficiaries.

Filomena

Casa+ users are extremely vulnerable and fragile people; understanding their needs means listening to them and giving them support, as well as a dignity often denied to them because of repeated episodes of discrimination and isolation.

Arsène

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

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.”

Zein

“We come here to have peace and to live our lives as human beings.”

Sara

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

Claudia

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

Hzani

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

Rajae

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

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.”

Emelyne

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

Joana

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

Adil

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

Jade

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

Antonio

In many societies, LGBTQIA+ people are victims of severe human rights violations, violence, torture and aggression. The need is to rebuild self-confidence, trust in authorities and institutions, and to make people aware of their identity and proud of themselves.

Judit

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

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Rainbow Welcome! visual universe

Rainbow Welcome! visual identity has been developed by Alison Roger France, in collaboration with PLS and all the partners. 

She studied the complexity of sexuality, sexual orientations, genders, gender expressions, identities, sexual characteristics, fluidity between the various spectrums, etc. She also adopted a reflective creation process including refugees’ journey in life and on earth to finally come with those organic forms whose nasting, movements and textures aim at illustrating the multiplicity and complexity of each and all individuals. Of course, the colours of the LGBTIQ+ flag have been used. The whole is wanted to be dynamic, intriguing and … positive. Our message is the one of reception and inclusion, as stated in our motto “Rainbow refugees, WELCOME!”.