The Embassy of Canada in Greece, in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, and with the participation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), SolidarityNow and the Greek Film Archives, is hosting “Twice trapped: discrimination among asylum applicants”, a special public event that will address the realities faced  by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI) refugees in fleeing persecution and the particular challenges in applying for asylum. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 18:00 at the Greek Film Archives, 48 Iera Odos and 134-136 Megalou Alexandrou, Keramikos Metro Station.

The event’s program includes the screening of the Canadian documentary “Last Chance” (2012) by Paul Emile d’Entremont, followed by a panel discussion. Details of the program and speakers are attached.

“Last Chance” is a feature documentary which retraces the turbulent journeys of five people who fled their native countries – Jamaica, Colombia, Lebanon, Nicaragua and Egypt – to escape persecution or homophobic violence and are seeking asylum in Canada. In anticipation of a decision, they face challenges in integrating, fear possible deportation if not accepted, and hope for an opportunity to change their lives. “Last Chance” gives voice to LGBTI refugees around the world who refuse to deny their core identity.

Director Paul Emile d’Entremont is an Acadian filmmaker living in Halifax who, in addition to a rich film career, remains active in the television industry, as a journalist and a director. “Last Chance” was produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Human rights violations targeted toward persons because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity constitute an entrenched global pattern of serious concern. They include extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, sexual assault and rape, invasions of privacy, arbitrary detention, denial of employment, health services and education opportunities, and serious discrimination in relation to the enjoyment of other human rights. Today, more than seventy countries criminalize same-sex conduct using laws.  However, even when these laws are not enforced, authorities sometimes ignore hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest, torture, sexual assault and even murder of LGBTI persons. This can also take place in countries where same-sex conduct is not illegal.

As Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said: “ Everyone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination –  no matter who they are or whom they love…. ensuring that all people –  regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity –  feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves.”

The film is in English with Greek subtitles.

The panel discussion will be in Greek without simultaneous translation.

Free admission