This is the most common question. And the scariest. But there's no exam. You don't need to "prove" anything — you need to tell your story.
the main thing
Witness statement — your story
A detailed first-person account. When you first realised. What you felt. What happened at home. Why you left. Specific dates, names, places — the more detail, the better. You can write in your own language — it'll be translated.
important
You don't need to describe sex
The Home Office should not ask about intimate details. If they do — that's wrong. Write down what they asked. Tell your lawyer.
Evidence that helps
organisations
Support letters
From LGBTQ+ organisations — confirming you attended meetings, consultations. Skybow, Rainbow Migration, Micro Rainbow and others can provide these.
messages
Communication screenshots
Telegram, WhatsApp, Grindr etc. — screenshots showing communication with people of the same sex. Save them in advance.
photos
Photographs
With a partner, at LGBTQ+ events, at Pride. Even photos from a support group count.
witnesses
Statements from friends and partner
Written testimonies from people who know about your orientation. Friends, partner, colleagues.
medical
Medical records
If you have PTSD, depression, or anxiety linked to persecution — GP or therapist records can serve as evidence.
country
Country information
Evidence of LGBTQ+ persecution in your country. Usually prepared by your lawyer. See country cards below.
What you DON'T need
no
Porn or intimate photos
The Home Office should not ask for this. If they do — that's a violation. Tell your lawyer.
no
Stereotypes
You don't need to look or act a certain way. There's no "correct" way to be gay or lesbian.
no
Knowledge test
You don't need to know LGBTQ+ history, activist names, or Pride dates. It's not an exam.
The Home Office interview
advice
Answer honestly and in detail
Don't memorise answers — speak from the heart. Specifics are better than generalities.
your right
Interpreter — your right
Ask for an interpreter in your language. If the interpreter is from your country and you're uncomfortable — say so, you can request a different one.
your right
You can refuse to answer
If questions are too intimate or degrading — say you don't want to answer. Write down what they asked.
advice
Bring a support person
You can bring someone for support to the interview. Not a lawyer — just someone to be there with you.
If you're refused
not the end
Appeal
You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. You can gather more evidence. Rainbow Migration helps with LGBTQ+ appeals — contact them via the form on their website.
You don't have to "prove" who you are. You just tell your truth. And there are people who'll help.
Video: LGBTQ+ asylum in the UK
26-minute video in Russian — everything you need to know about LGBTQ+ asylum:
Your country — what the Home Office knows
The Home Office publishes CPINs (Country Policy and Information Notes) — official reports on the LGBTQ+ situation in each country. Your lawyer should use them. Here's the situation by country:
criminal prosecution
Uzbekistan
Article 120 — up to 3 years for male same-sex relations. 44 prosecuted in 2016-2020. Police carry out forced anal exams, torture, extortion. CPIN (July 2024) concludes: the state is "able but not willing" to protect. Gay men and trans women likely face state persecution.
persecution without law
Tajikistan
Decriminalised since 1998. But in 2017, authorities compiled an official list of LGBTQ+ citizens during operations "Morality" and "Purge." Police detain, extort, beat. No CPIN — this can be an argument for your lawyer (lack of information).
criminal prosecution
Turkmenistan
Article 133 — up to 2 years (up to 20 aggravated). One of the most repressive states in the world. No LGBTQ+ organisations, no civil society. Total control. No CPIN, but designated a UK "Country of Concern."
propaganda law
Kazakhstan
Decriminalised since 1998. But in December 2025, a ban on "propaganda of non-traditional orientation" was signed — modelled on Russia. Up to 10-day arrest + fine. Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned. No CPIN.
propaganda law
Kyrgyzstan
Decriminalised. But in 2023, an anti-propaganda law was passed — described as even worse than Russia's. Attacks on LGBTQ+ people rose 300% after its introduction. In 2024, a "foreign agents" law was adopted, destroying LGBTQ+ civil society. No CPIN.
extremism
Russia
Not directly criminalised, but in November 2023 the Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT movement" extremist. Up to 10 years for "organising," 5 for "participating." Propaganda law (2013, expanded 2022). Gender transition ban (2023). CPIN (June 2025): trans people, North Caucasus residents, and public advocates likely face persecution.
extrajudicial violence
Chechnya
Formally part of Russia. In 2017 — mass abductions, torture, and killings (100+ detained, at least 3 killed). Second wave in 2019. Detainees returned to families with orientation exposed — for "honour killings." Russia CPIN (2025): LGBTQ+ from North Caucasus likely face persecution. Internal relocation within Russia is ineffective.
anti-LGBTQ+ law
Georgia
Decriminalised. But in October 2024, the "Family Values" law was passed — bans Pride, gender transition, LGBTQ+ content. Far-right attacks with impunity. CPIN (September 2024). ILGA-Europe: 12% — Georgia's worst ever score.
violence
Azerbaijan
Decriminalised since 2000. But ILGA-Europe: 2% — joint lowest in Europe with Russia. Police are the primary perpetrators: extortion, entrapment via apps, raids. In 2017 — mass arrests and torture. No CPIN.
violence
Armenia
Legal since 2003. No anti-discrimination protections. Trans women murdered, gay men driven to suicide. In 2023 — police raided LGBTQ+ space Poligraf in Yerevan, 40+ detained. ILGA-Europe: 9%. No CPIN.
propaganda = pornography
Belarus
Legal since 1994. But in April 2024, "LGBT propaganda" reclassified as pornography — up to 4 years. Activist arrests, trans people targeted. Following the Russian model. ILGA-Europe: 10%. No CPIN.
improving
Ukraine
Legal. Employment anti-discrimination since 2015. In March 2026 — Supreme Court recognised a same-sex couple as a de facto family. 70%+ support equal rights. But no civil partnerships yet. CPIN withdrawn in 2022 (war). ILGA-Europe: 19%.
How to use this: Show your lawyer the card for your country. CPINs are official Home Office documents — they carry weight in your case. If there's no CPIN — your lawyer can use reports from Human Dignity Trust, Human Rights Watch, ILGA World Database.
Important: This page contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Every asylum case is unique. Contact an immigration lawyer through Legal Aid or Rainbow Migration for individual help.