THRIVE TOGETHER: SPONSOR LGBTIQA+ REFUGEES
We have partnered with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) to make it possible to sponsor an LGBTIQA+ refugee through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). We thank the Amplify Pride Fund for supporting this ground breaking project.
Sponsoring an LGBTIQA+ refugee gives you the chance to support their right to safety and help them build a new life in Australia. By working with us, we can make sure LGBTIQA+ refugees have a better settlement experience and help create a more inclusive society.
When you sponsor, you help an LGBTIQA+ refugee find safety and support their journey to thrive in Australia. FDPN and CRSA work together to give you the tools and resources you need to make a real difference.
Without any exaggeration: this program is life saving!
Why focus on LGBTIQA+ refugees?
LGBTIQA+ refugees face unique challenges. They deal with the hardships of being displaced and also face serious risks of violence and discrimination, especially in refugee camps. In these camps, where the average wait time is up to 17 years, LGBTIQA+ refugees struggle every day just to survive. Only 1% of all refugees are resettled each year.
You might wonder, “How many are LGBTIQA+?” Between 3-6% of all refugees are LGBTIQA+ people. Yet, there are almost no programs that specifically support this community. In Australia, we are the first to offer this kind of program.
When LGBTIQA+ refugees settle in a new country, they have different needs. We help community groups prepare to support them and ensure they have the best experience possible. Your support can make a real difference, helping LGBTIQA+ refugees find safety and build a new life in Australia.
HOW TO SPONSOR AN LGBTIQA+ REFUGEE?
You:
will be offering practical support and assistance to an LGBTIQA+ person throughout their first year of the settlement process in Australia.
We:
will be supporting you in this journey.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Eligibility: Open to Australian citizens or permanent residents with a clear police check.
- Teamwork: Form a group of 5 or join existing groups.
- Preparation: Complete required training sessions with CRSA and FDPN.
- Financial Support: Fundraise a minimum of $5,000 for the individual’s resettlement needs.
- Commitment: Offer support for 12 months, starting with arranging necessities like housing and helping with other needs during settlement.
Terms and conditions
- CRISP is open to people recognised as refugees by the UNHCR, meaning that they are outside of their country of origin.
- Referred people also cannot have family ties in Australia.
- The person you will sponsor is referred by the UNHCR to the Department of Home Affairs. In other words, you cannot choose an individual.
- Resettled people have access to Centrelink and Medicare once they arrive.
Impact to date
11 LGBTIQA+ people resettled
Through this project and partnership, we helped 11 people find a new home and start a new life.
9 groups formed and supported
We supported groups at different stages of the sponsorship process, helping them make a difference.
4 groups preparing
We helped register more groups that are now preparing to sponsor LGBTIQA+ refugees.
100+ people informed
Over 100 people have attended our information sessions, learning how they can help.
Are you ready to change lives?
You have the power to make a difference in the lives of LGBTIQA+ refugees seeking safety and help them build a new life in Australia, free from persecution.