On 7 May 2024, Sahir hosted an essential information session titled “Let’s Talk About Rwanda”, aimed at addressing growing fears and uncertainties surrounding the UK government’s proposed plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The event was created in direct response to increasing anxiety among people we support – particularly LGBTQ+ individuals – who face heightened risks under this policy. While the scheme continues to face legal challenges, the uncertainty alone has left many vulnerable to distress, fear, and trauma.

Our session brought together the community and provided a much-needed space for clarity, compassion, and connection.

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Aims of the Session

The session had four key objectives:

• To provide accurate, up-to-date information about the UK’s Rwanda deportation proposal.

• To offer practical advice and steps to help attendees feel more in control.

• To create a safe space for sharing concerns and building peer support.

• To ensure access to expert, trustworthy legal guidance – delivered in partnership with national charity Right to Remain.

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What We Covered

The event began with a presentation from Right to Remain, who joined via Zoom to deliver a detailed overview of the legal landscape. Attendees were guided through the current status of the Rwanda plan, including who it may affect and what legal safeguards remain in place.

Crucially, we highlighted that deportations had not yet begun, and that legal opposition continues – a fact that brought some immediate relief to those in attendance.

LGBTQ+ Specific Concerns

A central focus of the session was the specific risk faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers if sent to Rwanda. Attendees shared heartfelt concerns about the country’s poor human rights record, social stigma, and lack of legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. Many expressed deep fear about what deportation could mean for their safety and wellbeing.

We addressed these fears by providing clear guidance on seeking legal representation that recognises and supports their LGBTQ+ status.

Practical Support and Peer Connection

Attendees also received advice on safeguarding their immigration status, accessing legal help, and what to do if served with a deportation notice.

The session concluded with an open discussion, offering space for attendees to share personal stories, fears, and sources of strength. While many emotions were expressed – from fear to resilience – the peer support offered in this space was truly powerful. For many, it was a rare and welcome opportunity to feel seen, heard, and supported by others with shared experiences.

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What Attendees Said

Feedback from participants highlighted the life-changing value of clear, factual information during such turbulent times.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen, and that scared me more than anything. Now, at least I know what I need to do and that there is support available.”

Another attendee reflected:

“It’s been so helpful to talk to others who understand what I’m going through. I feel less alone now.”

The presence of Right to Remain was widely praised, with attendees noting that their insight added credibility and reassurance at a time of real fear.

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Looking Ahead

The “Let’s Talk About Rwanda” session powerfully demonstrated the need for ongoing support spaces that blend accurate legal advice with emotional and peer support.

Based on the positive response, we plan to develop further sessions, including:

• Focused legal guidance for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers (in collaboration with external organisations)

• Mental health and wellbeing workshops (delivered by our in-house counselling team)

• Regular peer support groups (led by our community engagement worker)

Sahir remains committed to standing beside our community through compassion, clarity and collective action.

Sahir recently brought together community members, healthcare professionals, and allies to respond to the final release of the Cass Review – a controversial report on gender identity services for children and young people, published in April 2024.

The community-led session, Let’s Talk About: The Cass Review, held in our Sunny Room on 19 April, offered a much-needed space for people to reflect, share their concerns, and unite in support of the trans and gender diverse community.

With attendees from across the Liverpool City Region – over half of whom identified as LGBTQ+ – the conversation was powerful, passionate and, at times, deeply emotional.

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Why the Cass Review Matters

Dr Hilary Cass’s review was commissioned by NHS England to evaluate gender identity services for young people. However, many within the LGBTQ+ and allied sectors have expressed serious concerns about its methodology, perceived bias, and the potential for harmful consequences on trans lives.

During the session, participants voiced fears that the report pathologises gender diverse identities, sidelines lived experience, and could restrict access to care for young people already facing significant barriers.

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Key Concerns Raised

• Biased Research: Many highlighted that the review fails to represent the real-life outcomes for trans youth, relying on selective data that suggests no difference in outcomes when care is delayed – a claim heavily contested by clinicians and community members alike.

• Psychological Impact: Attendees worried about the damage this narrative could have on young trans people. Several asked: “How many young people will be deterred from seeking support?” and heartbreakingly, “How many more suicides will this lead to?”

• Threat to Services: Healthcare professionals noted that services are already being scaled back. With increased insurance costs and stricter prescribing regulations – particularly in Cheshire & Merseyside – gender affirming clinics may become even harder to access.

• Community Wellbeing: Concerns were also raised about the effect on adults in the community. The message that “being trans is a phase” undermines not only young people’s identities but also the hard work of staff, clinicians and advocates.

• Data Sharing Fears: Questions were raised about how patient data may be used in the future. Until clarity is provided, attendees were urged to be cautious.

• Lack of Intersectionality: The review was criticised for ignoring how race, disability, neurodivergence and class intersect with gender identity – failing to reflect the complexity of lived experience.

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Reflections and Resilience

Clinicians including Dr Christine Mimnagh (CMAGIC) and Dr Adrian Harrop (Brownlow Health) shared insights on how the review may impact services and prescribing guidance – particularly for under 25s. They warned that delays in care could increase the complexity and severity of mental health challenges later down the line.

The group also voiced frustration at the silence of professional bodies. Attendees called for clear statements from national institutions – including the British Psychological Society – affirming the reality and validity of trans and non-binary identities.

One participant summed up the mood:

“Being trans is a protected characteristic. So where do we stand? Why is no one challenging this?”

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What Happens Next?

There was a strong, united call for further action:

• Sahir will organise a follow-up session and share notes from the meeting.

• Attendees expressed a desire for visible, vocal support from trusted organisations.

• Suggestions included coordinated community actions – such as a symbolic protest to burn the Cass Review and share the message widely on social media.

• The group affirmed the need for public solidarity, accurate representation, and space to grieve and organise.

As one attendee put it:

“Let’s remind our community they are not alone – they have a network of care and resistance behind them.”

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Final Thoughts

In closing, Sahir’s LGBTQ+ Services team thanked everyone for their honesty, bravery and care.

“When things hit service users, they hit staff too,” said Kat Taylor. “This report implies our work is flawed, but this meeting validates everything we do.”

Kath Charters added:

“The community allows me to be myself and see myself. Stronger Together is not just a strapline – it’s how we get through this.”

We remain committed to standing up for trans lives and working alongside our community to challenge injustice, together.