Despite advancements in many parts of the world, LGBT people continue to deal with social stigma, moral rejection and legal discrimination. They also have fewer economic opportunities and are more likely to be poor, factors which add to that stigma and partially explain the reasons for seeking asylum or refugee status. The Covid-19 pandemic seems to have worsened their situation of vulnerability, as LGBT people have had to face setbacks caused by inequality and an avalanche of homophobia and transphobia coming from authorities and the general public. How can these circumstances be improved within the current atmosphere?

The event will be attended by Nessrin El Hachlaf Bensaid, Kifkifk’s legal advisor, who specializes in migration, refugees and LGTBIQ+ human rights violations, and the director of the short-subject film, Fran Granada. We will also get the chance to hear the testimonial of Hamza, a non-binary gay person  from Casablanca who is seeking asylum, and Waseem, a gay Syrian refugee. Presented by Karim Hauser, Casa Árabe’s International Relations Coordinator.

About the short film “Hassan”
The Spanish Network for Immigration and Refugee Aid, with the cooperation of Crea, Apoyo positivo, Salud entre Culturas and the Third Sector Coordinator of the Autonomous Region of Madrid,  co-produced this short film about Hassan’s story, personal change and self-discovery across time, after his arrival in Spain from Morocco. Co-directed by Zeus Laand and Fran Granada, and screened in 2019 as part of the official section at the SEMINCI and Seville European Film Festivals, this short film will give us a closer look at a story of acceptance and inner struggle, as well as the stereotypes around HIV/AIDS and the demonization of sex between men. “Hassan is a story about doubts, fears and prejudices, and how we are held back and kept from moving forward,” says Fran Granada.