A new training programme has been launched for people working with asylum seekers and refugees who face discrimination because of their sexuality.
BeLonG To - a youth organisation which supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender young people - says LGBT asylum seekers are a vulnerable group, who are isolated in many different ways because of their asylum status, their race, and their sexual orientation or gender identity.
People can claim asylum in Ireland on the basis of sexual orientation, but the charity says many people are afraid to talk openly about these issues.
BeLonG To has set up a two-year pilot project to provide training to those working with LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
The training will be given to a range of organisations including mental health, legal and community groups.
The project will start during February with training for the staff of the Irish Refugee Council.
