Introduction

Estimates of the LGBTQIA+ community vary country by country. Being a member of the LGTBQIA+ community is illegal in many countries and participating in private, consensual same-sex activity can carry the death penalty in eleven countries. Nearly all displaced persons have been through many traumatic experiences, but LGBTQIA+ community members are often persecuted and even killed by family members once their sexual identity is discovered. LGBTQIA+ individuals often need to flee from countries where there is no civil war and where torture and other human rights abuses against heterosexual individuals may be uncommon. In addition, LGBTQIA+ displaced persons are often re-victimised once they arrive in hosting countries, which are commonly low- and middle-income countries, and which may have laws in place banning same-sex relationships.

It is crucial that rehabilitation professionals treat LGBTQIA+ displaced persons with the same dignity and respect afforded to other clients. This course will explore working with LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced displacement. Displacement may increase the risk for abuse, neglect, and violence, with many individuals facing difficulties accessing support and receiving appropriate health care services.

Aims

This course aims to provide an overview of working with LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced displacement.

Outline

This course is made up of videos, reading, forum posts and a final quiz. The course content is split into the following sections:

1. Video
2. Reading
3. Quiz

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.