Kimahli Powell on the LGBTQ Refugee Crisis

The world faces a refugee crisis. More people are displaced today — by war, famine and climate — than at any time in human history. Among the most vulnerable are people persecuted for their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

But even as the number of refugees and asylum-seekers skyrockets, countries that once provided a safe haven are pulling up the welcome mat — and demonizing immigrants, especially LGBTQ immigrants.

Kimahli Powell, an activist, scholar and former CEO of Rainbow Railroad, talks with journalist David Hunt about the challenges confronting queer refugees and asylum-seekers in an increasingly hostile world.

An edited version of this feature aired on This Way Out: The International LGBTQ Radio Magazine.

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David Hunt is an Emmy-winning journalist and documentary producer who has reported on America's culture wars since the 1970s. Explore his blog, Tell Me, David.