Invisible Movements: Recommendations for Facilitating the Cross-Border Migration for Persons with Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics in the Caribbean

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community, is faced with diverse needs and risks, some of which are like those of other groups of migrants, and some of which are specific to their experiences. Migrants with diverse SOGIESC often find themselves in situations of vulnerability, in part, due to migration policies and legislation that, although in many cases are no longer enforced, still include language or provisions that contravene the protection of these populations.

To that end, this report outlines systemic and policy-related recommendations that could improve the migration conditions of this group. These recommendations include increased participation of and outreach to the migrant LGBTQI+ community, individual documentation, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, addressing issues of safety and security, and increased access to justice, material assistance, shelter and sanitation, education, livelihoods, and healthcare.

The report seeks to provide actionable recommendations that governments, civil society and human rights organisations can use to minimise risks and guarantee the safety of migrants in all stages of their migration cycles.