Caring for LGBTQ Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Part 3
At More Light, we often hear from congregational leaders who have active ministries to both LGBTQ people and refugees, and who want to be a better source of support to both populations but may be unsure how best to do so.
More Light is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Caring for LGBTQ Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Part 3
Co-Trainer: Jennicet Gutiérrez
Jennicet Gutiérrez is a transgender Latina organizer from México. She was born in Tuxpan, Jalisco. She is a founder and community organizer Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement. Jennicet believes in the importance of uplifting and centering the voices of trans women of color in all racial justice work. Jennicet will continue to organize in order to end the deportation, incarceration and criminalization of immigrants and all people of color. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Series Trainer: Rev. Elizabeth Smith
The Rev. Elizabeth Smith has been part of the Tucson, Arizona-based Casa Mariposa Detention Visitation Program since 2015. The program seeks to break the isolation felt by immigrants being detained for months or years at Eloy Detention Center, by providing regular visits, letters, and money for phone calls and books. The program also offers post-detention support alongside community partners. Elizabeth’s heart has been transformed by this work and the strong individuals she’s met at Eloy. Several of them have become dear friends.
In addition to her work with the visitation program, Elizabeth is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently serving at The Holy Way Presbyterian Church. She is married to Bart Smith (also a pastor), and they love hiking and exploring the desert, and being the proud parents of a dog named Gumby.
Part 1 – What did we learn?
- Language and terminology related to the experiences of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
- A theological/biblical grounding for the importance of responsible ministry with LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
- A general understanding of the circumstances LGBTQI refugees coming into the U.S. face
- Ways congregations can have the conversation about the WHY
Part 2 – What did we learn?
- The current landscape for refugees and people seeking asylum
- The Detainment Process/current landscape
- The Cycle for Asylum Seekers – Asylees
- The reality of the processes on people’s lives