Refugee status decision-makers are often unfamiliar with experiences of people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. When evaluating LGBTI refugee claims, they may not know what questions to ask or how to ask them. In some cases, they may ask questions that are sexually-explicit, invasive or simply irrelevant.    

For that reason, ORAM is developing a training guide for refugee status decision-makers to help them effectively and respectfully identify LGBTI refugees. The guide will clarify the dynamics of claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It will also help decision-makers ask appropriate, meaningful and relevant questions. The guide will be used to train UNHCR staff and may be modified for use by government authorities.