The MotM Monthly
June 2023

Happy Pride to the migrant community, and all of us.

Pride month began after the Stonewall riots in New York City in June, 1969, and has grown to become a moment to celebrate and commemorate members of the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Yet even with LGBTQ+ Pride becoming a worldwide phenomenon, it remains unsafe in many parts of the world for queer people to be themselves, revealing yet another important facet of the migrant community.

32 out of the 54 African countries currently deem it a criminal act to engage in same-sex marriage, making it not just illegal to be queer but potentially deadly. The latest and most alarming measure has been the passage of a Ugandan anti-gay law sentencing anyone convicted of homosexuality to life imprisonment.

Many queer folks are forced to flee their home countries in hopes of receiving asylum in countries where it is safe for them to simply be. But the process can be arduous, and queer migrants often face greater risks of exploitation and harm during their journeys.

The asylum application process proves to be another hurdle. People in the migrant community must prove their LGBT status, which can result in its denial if the person does not “appear” queer to immigration officials. It has also been known for people to enter “sham” marriages as a means to protect themselves from social harm, blending in with the expected norms of their communities. At so many turns, discrimination and insecurity is perpetuated.

What is particularly alarming is the growing far-right foothold in Europe, especially in Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed unwillingness to expand LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Will the country remain a safe haven for those in the LGBTQ+ community escaping persecution? Meanwhile, in the US, there’s been a rise in anti-queer and anti-trans legislation that threaten the lives, education, and healthcare opportunities for the community—already 27 anti-trans bills have been proposed in the US just this year.

These are tough realities to face when we think of Pride month as a time of celebration. But it is, in fact, the act of celebrating the rights and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community that helps strengthen the cause around the world—providing a voice of hope for those who still struggle to find one.

A question we think about at the organization is who among our migrant community counts themselves a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but has felt too afraid to share that identity outwardly? In the over 100 stories in the Journey Story Archive, none have self-identified as queer. Yet statistically speaking, there are some in this body who might very well be. We can’t know for sure until our friends whose stories we document tell us—and no one speaks unless they feel secure in doing so.

That’s why we’re taking this opportunity to tell our community present and future—whether in the migrant community or an MotM supporter or follower—that here, you’ve found a safe space to be exactly who you say you are. Migrants of the Mediterranean is dedicated to upholding your right to love and exist freely.

Happy Pride month to everyone.

–Iselle Diaz, Pamela Kerpius

Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa's 54 countries. MotM denounces these laws and stands with our LGBTQ+ friends in the migrant community. (Source: NPR)

Live from Brussels:
|A Special Night at the Musée de la Migration

On Friday, June 2nd, Migrants of the Mediterranean joined with the Museum of Migration (Musée de la Migration) in Brussels, Belgium. Founder, Pamela Kerpius and Belgium Correspondent, Jon Brookes, met an all-new audience to share a retrospective screening of Fire at Sea (2016), the Oscar-nominated Italian documentary by Gianfranco Rosi, using it to put more light on the work of Humanitarian Storytelling.

What makes this film relevant years later? Sea crossings from Libya and reception on the island continue at a growing pitch after a marked lull that corresponded to the pandemic and the increased anti-immigrant, far-right political actions that have gripped Italy and European politics. Better still––it was actually the first time seeing the movie for almost everyone in the audience.

Included in that was Anwar (Sudan), our new friend in the MotM migrant community who not only crossed the Mediterranean from Libya in 2015, but also landed in Lampedusa, where the film takes place. It was sobering to sit at his side and hear his reaction live as the film unspooled––the crinkle of the metallic emergency blankets, the protocol during rescue, the clips on land at the “hotspot.” These were moving moments, and haunting ones that reminded us of how visceral the trauma of crossing is for its survivors and how badly we need to hear their testimonies of it.

He joined us in the post-movie discussion and Q&A. His was an essential voice in understanding this moment in history that can feel abstract to those of us who never experienced it first-hand. Anwar’s Journey Story is forthcoming. We thank him, our audience, and the Museum of Migration for sharing the night that made space for truth, dignity and a more humane vision for the future of migration. Thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to Cinéart Belgium and Libération Films.

What's coming up.

While we take a breather from reporting this summer, look for new Journey Stories coming up from Brussels, Naples and numerous cities across the Netherlands––all hitting the site soon. We’re planning our fall touring schedule and still have slots available! See the details here to learn more, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay current with the latest news, photos, stories and more.