Italian cities offer support for trans migrants, contrasting sharply with Greece’s lack of official protection and resources.
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Greece and Italy exhibit contrasting approaches to accommodating and protecting trans refugees and migrants, with Bologna serving as an example of openness in Italy. In Bologna, seven shelters, named after LGBTQ+ activists, currently host about 30 individuals within the Italian Ministry of Interior’s reception system. The ministry collaborates with local authorities and professionals providing legal advice, counseling, job searching, and language classes. These shelters also employ members of the beneficiary community to foster trust and address issues like gender identity medicalization and non-judgmental sexual work support, building on long-term cooperation with the Trans Identity Movement (MIT). MIT has been instrumental in advocating for trans rights in Italy since 1979, leading to milestones such as the election of a trans municipal council member. While Bologna’s system is seen as a national benchmark and other Italian cities are following suit, Greece lacks official mechanisms for LGBTQ+ protection within its reception system. The promised Stirixis program remains unfulfilled, and reports highlight a lack of alternative accommodation for vulnerable individuals, suggesting current models do not meet minimum legal standards for dignified living. While international guidelines recognize sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for protection from persecution, in Greece, the process is challenging due to issues like credibility concerns during asylum interviews, despite existing national jurisprudence supporting LGBTQ+ rights. For those residing in mainland Greece, the situation remains difficult, especially following cuts to US-funded support programs; while general services are available, specialized mental health or housing support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers is largely absent.
