Groundbreaking report amplifies the realities of racialised Trans and Gender-Diverse refugees in Sweden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stockholm, Sweden – A groundbreaking new report, Echoes from the margins: The lived realities of racialised Trans and Gender-Diverse refugees in Sweden, presents an unfiltered look at the systemic barriers and everyday struggles faced by one of Sweden’s most marginalised communities.

In commemoration of International Migrants Day, Queerstion Media is thrilled to announce the release of this in-depth research which challenges the dominant narratives around migration, integration, and human rights. Unlike traditional studies where migrants are researched by outsiders, this study is unique in that it is the fruit of co-creation designed by and centres the agency of those directly impacted, i.e. Black and racialised Trans and Gender-diverse (TGD) refugees themselves.Furthermore, It highlights the systemic failures of Sweden’s asylum and social support systems, exposing the discrimination and institutional neglect that continue to push racialised trans refugees into precarity.

Publication cover- Queerstion Media members — *Click cover image to download publication.*

Key findings: A system designed to exclude

The report uncovers severe gaps in access to mental healthcare, employment, housing, and legal protections, including:

Discrimination in the labour market: Many trans asylum seekers struggle to secure stable employment due to gender marker discrepancies on official documents and biases against racialised refugees.
Inaccessible healthcare: Long waiting times, refusals of care, and systemic discrimination against trans refugees remain widespread.
Violence and harassment: Many face daily threats of physical violence, leading to fear, social isolation, and further marginalisation.
Lack of safe housing: The failure to provide safe accommodation leaves many trans refugees exposed to discrimination and violence.

The Power of Storytelling: A tool for agency, collective solidarity & action

At the heart of this research is the power of owning our narratives. For too long, trans and racialised refugees have been spoken about rather than heard. This report is not just about documenting injustice it is about reclaiming agency, forging connections, and demanding action.

“We are not just case studies or statistics. This research is our way of speaking for ourselves, building alliances, and organising for real change. We hope it creates avenues for meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholders and cross-movement collaboration with actors in intersecting struggles.” said, Miles Tanhira, Founder and Co Chair Queerstion Media.

By sharing these lived experiences, the report urges policy makers, human rights advocates, LGBTQ+ organisations, anti-racism movements, and labor unions to engage with trans refugees as partners in shaping solutions, not just as subjects of discussion.

Urgent policy recommendations

The report calls on Swedish authorities, civil society, and international organisations to take decisive action, including:

Ensuring asylum seekers have access to Swedish language (SFI) studies to improve integration.
Explicitly including hormonal treatment in the Communicable Diseases Act, ensuring trans asylum seekers receive essential medical care.
Reforming migration interviews to be more humane and culturally sensitive to trans and gender-diverse refugees.
Strengthening anti-discrimination measures in housing and employment to protect racialised TGD refugees from systemic exclusion.

A call to action for civil society

The report urges NGOs humanitarian groups, media, and policymakers to centre trans refugee voices not just as research subjects but also as leaders shaping policy and advocacy. It calls on civil society organisations to:

Push for trans-inclusive policies in healthcare, employment, and housing.
Document and amplify trans refugee stories while ensuring those affected have real power in shaping narratives.