Global engagement

In 2017-2018 through the Queer Sisterhood Project, we played a crucial role in the Gender Audit of the 2017/2018 Thematic Meetings and High Commissioner’s Dialogue, which informed the Global Compact on Refugees. This audit, led by the UNSW Forced Migration Research Network and commissioned by UNHCR, focused on ensuring a strong gender perspective in the Global Compact’s development and implementation. Tina Dixson worked to ensure that LGBTIQA+ issues were central to discussions on Age, Gender, and Diversity and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, making sure these topics were at the core of the Global Compact on Refugees.

FDPN has been an active participant in the Global Refugee Forums, attending both the inaugural event in 2019 and the second forum in 2023. At these forums, we raised awareness about the experiences of LGBTIQA+ forcibly displaced people and advocated for stronger global solidarity and solutions.

In 2019, Tina Dixson was chosen as a refugee co-sponsor, while in 2023, Renee Dixson spoke on a panel highlighting the meaningful participation of LGBTIQA+ displaced individuals. FDPN’s involvement ensures that the issues facing LGBTIQA+ refugees remain a focus for global decision-makers.

In 2024, FDPN participated in the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP), formerly known as the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement. This forum is a key platform for UNHCR, States, NGOs, and other stakeholders to discuss and advance resettlement strategies. Our participation marked a significant step in representing the voices of LGBTIQA+ displaced people from the Asia-Pacific region on an international stage.

The Time Is Now: A Workshop on Best Practices for LGBTIQ+ Displaced Support was organised in October 2023 in Geneva, in partnership with Equal Asia Foundation and R-Seat, and with support of UNHCR. The workshop aimed to assist UN Member States and INGOs in making LGBTIQA+ inclusive pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. Our goals included transforming recommendations from the 2021 Global Roundtable into actionable steps, highlighting effective resettlement practices, and emphasising the critical role of LGBTIQA+ refugee-led organisations. We also focused on activating pledge commitments from the 2019 Global Refugee Forum to ensure concrete, inclusive actions are taken to support LGBTIQA+ displaced communities.

FDPN collaborated with the UNHCR team to develop guidance on best practices for integrating LGBTIQA+ refugees. This resource is designed to help stakeholders create more inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTIQA+ individuals during the resettlement process.