LGBT and/or HIV+ immigrants face the dual discrimination of being LGBT/H and being non-citizens. This panel will lay out the legal landscape for LGBT/H immigrants, including: a discussion of the hurdles faced by binational same-sex couples and a possible legislative solution; the unique challenges transgender immigrants face in correcting their identity documents and having their marriages recognized under immigration law; the HIV ban under immigration law and pending legislation on the issue; and asylum based on LGBT identity and HIV status. The workshop will conclude with a “mock asylum interview” featuring a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Asylum Officer from the San Francisco Asylum Office.
Speakers: Linda Tam , Victoria Neilson , Ben Lunine
Immigration
Toward a More Inclusive Movement: Addressing the Needs of Low Income LGBT People of Color
This workshop will highlight the legal issues faced by low-income LGBT people of color and how LGBT organizations, practitioners, and law students can better serve these communities. Panelists will discuss their experiences addressing the intersection of race, poverty, sexual orientation, and gender identity in their legal work, including areas such as prisoners’ rights, youth in out-of-home care, and immigration. We will discuss issues and barriers that low-income LGBT people of color face, as well as specific solutions for addressing these needs through direct services; coalition building; and partnerships among LGBT, legal services, and people of color organizations.
Speakers: Cathy Sakimura , Natalie Chin , Jody Marksamer , Lisa Cisneros