We acknowledge that today’s episode is broadcast on the International Day against homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia - a day that raises awareness of LGBTIQA+ rights violations and to stimulate interest in queer rights work worldwide. #IDAHOBIT2020

Michele Vescio speaks with Tina Dixson and Renee Dixson who have been together for a decade now, not only as a couple but partners in everything they do. They both have a lived experience as queer refugee women. Currently, they are both PhD Candidates at the Australian National University and are advocates for the rights and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

We discuss their continued activism and advocacy for LGBTIQA+ refugee and asylum seekers, Renee’s work on a digital archive of LGBTIQ+ forced migration, last year’s inaugural Queer Displacements conference and the creation of the Canberra statement, their current and upcoming projects supporting queer refugee and asylum seekers, with overarching conversations on queer refugee rights and validation of their experiences.

Content warning: Please be aware that today’s show contains discussions and descriptions of forced displacement, isolation, and discrimination towards refugees and asylum seekers. If this type of content is a trigger for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au, Switchboard Victoria on 1800 184 527 or switchboard.org.au, Queerspace on 03 9663 6733 or queerspace.org.au, or contact your state-based service.

Resources:

Queer Sisterhood Project, a refugee-led and peer-run support and advocacy group aimed to provide a space of community and belonging to queer refugee women.

The Canberra Statement, a policy document that can be signed on to by individuals and organisations affirming a need for a set of reforms to ensure access to safety and justice for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced persons.

The Queer Displacements: Sexuality, Migration & Exile conference report, the first conference in Australia to address and discuss the issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) forced displacement in its complexity.

The Refugee Council of Australia, information on ensuring people seeking asylum and refugees, are included in COVID-19 strategies so that nobody is left behind.

'Being Queer and Refugee’ brochure, contains 30 tips for service providers for inclusive service provision. 

Donate to the crowdfunding campaign to Help LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers survive COVID-19.

Forcibly Displaced People Network, the first organisation in Australia to dedicate its work to the issues of LGBTIQ+ forced displacement.

Tracklisting: 'School Revolution' by Voice Of Baceprot, a 3-piece all-girl metal/thrash band from Indonesia.