The public is invited to the Phillip Rush Center on June 9 to discuss the topic of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender immigration with a panel of experts ranging from attorneys to individuals who have dealt with immigration issues. The discussion will cover federal law as well as Georgia laws.

“These forums are intended to facilitate public discussion on immigration from an LGBT Asian-American point of view,” said Asha Leong, who is a board member of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, a co-sponsor of the event.

“In some ways, immigrations [within the LGBT community] focuses on binational partners. We want to expand that to include asylum, marriage, family reunification,” she said.

Immigration issues also center on the Latino community. The Asian-American community stands in solidarity with the Latino community, but wants more attention paid to the challenges Asian Americans face as well, Leong said.

“A lot of what we see are people who are persecuted in their home country because they are LGBT. Applying for asylum is not easy and we want to see people who can’t go back home have a place here permanently,” she said.

The event is free. Light refreshments will be provided. Other co-sponsors include the Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Raksha and Asians and Friends.

Atlanta LGBT Immigration Forum
Wednesday, June 9, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Phillip Rush Center
1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307