The Asylum Podcast

Asylum and migrationRFSL

Every year, thousands of LGBTQI people are forced to flee from the country where they live. In the Asylum podcast we meet people who have come to Sweden in the hope of finding a new home, a safe place, and peace.

Hosts are LGBTQI activists Samuel Girma and Lucy Amusugut, who both have personal experience of seeking asylum. Welcome to join us on this journey!

Tis version of the Asylum podcast is in English. Episode 5-7 are also available in Swedish.

Episode 1 – The Home You Left (opens in Spotify)

Episode 1. The Home You Left

Every year thousands of LGBTQI people are fleeing their native countries, in hope to find a new home, a safe place and peace. This is the story of  people before they became an asylum seeker. What was their everyday life like? Who were they? What did they do? What dreams did they have? What was it like being an LGBTQI person in that country? What friends and family did they have? How did they come to the decide they had to flee? What is it like seeking asylum as an LGBTQI person in Sweden. 

Join us on a journey where we portray different stories about and with LGBTQI people who are Newcomers in Sweden, focussing on asylum rights!

Language: English

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 1 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

Episode 2 – The Journey
(opens in Spotify)

Episode 2. The Journey

In the asylum podcast you can follow the stories of LGBTQI people who are fleeing persecution. In this second episode we will talk about when the decision is taken to escape from the home country. The show is led by the LGBTQI activistes Samuel Girma and Lucy Amusugut who have personal experiences of these topics.
Join us on a journey where we portray different stories about and with LGBTQI people who are Newcomers in Sweden, focussing on asylum rights!

Language: English

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 2 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

Episode 3. Coming to Sweden

I det tredje avsnittet pratar vi om de avgörande första intrycken av Sverige och svenska myndigheter, vad In this third episode, we talk about those crucial first impressions of Sweden and Swedish authorities, what you should think about when you apply for asylum in Sweden and the importance of letting the Migration Agency know that you are seeking asylum as an LGBTQI person. We also talk about feeling unsafe at the accommodation provided by the Migration Agency, and get an insight into Abel’s asylum journey. 

Language: English

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 3 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

Avsnitt 4. Möte med staten

In this episode, we talk about the application process at the Migration Agency. As an LGBTQI asylum seeker, you will be asked to give information that proves that you belong to the LGBTQI community. You will be expected to have experienced a certain process in your LGBTQI identity. This approach is deeply problematic since it presupposes that all LGBTQI people share a universal experience of an emotional process with a clear beginning and end. 

Language: English

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

Episode 5. Getting to Know a New Country

This episode is about getting to know a new country. What is it like to have to start over in Sweden? Integrating into society can be challenging; it means making new contacts and friends, trying to find work or starting to study, maybe start dating, figuring out the culture and customs of Swedish society, getting to know the Swedish LGBTQI community, and finding safe places to meet others with a similar background.

Language: Swedish

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 5 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

Episode 6 – Väntan (opens in Spotify)

Episode 6. The Wait

In this episode, we focus on the waiting; waiting for a decision that will determine your future. Will you be able to live as who you are in Sweden, or will you risk persecution at the hands of your family, society or the authorities in your country of origin? Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are common psychological problems in asylum seekers. By staying active and allowing for time for recreation, you can prevent mental ill-health during the asylum process.

Language: Swedish

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 6 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

Episode 7 – The Decision (opens in Spotify)

Episode 7. The Decision

In this last episode, we talk about what course your journey will take depending on the Migration Agency’s decision. We will hear from people who have completed the asylum process, and discuss what it means when your application is either denied or granted. What complications are there? What alternatives do you have if your application is refused? Lucy shares her optimistic views of the future, excited for her new journey to finally start. We also talk to Abel who is waiting for his decision, and ask what his dreams are.

Language: Swedish

Producer: Mireya Echeverría Quezada

Year: 2020

A part of episode 7 is also available in Swedish (opens in Spotify).

If you have questions about the asylum process, you might be able to find an answer in our FAQ.