Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) refugees are particularly likely to be victims of residential violence. That is why they are among those groups that are particularly in need of protection when it comes to accommodation in Germany. Due to previous negative experiences in countries of origin and fear of violence in housing, most LGBTI refugees remain invisible in this housing. The consequence is that their needs are often not taken into account when it comes to housing and care. Against this background, the German Lesbian and Gay Association (LSVD) has published a new "Practical Guide - LGBTI * Sensitive Protection against violence for refugees" for the network meeting of the "Federal Initiative for the Protection of Refugees in Refugee Accommodation".
The German-language manual is intended primarily for employees of residential buildings in federal states and municipalities. In brief, author Alva Trebert describes how the requirements for the protection of LGBTI refugees of the German "Minimum Standards for the Protection of Refugees in Refugee Accommodation" can be implemented in practice. LSVD combines practical guidance with the wish that employees in residential areas "take with them, first of all, practical suggestions and useful materials for their work with LGBTI * refugees," say Henny Engels and Patrick Derr of the LSVD federal executive committee. The handbook was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). The manual is available for download and can also be ordered free of charge by email queer-refugees@lsvd.de .