Asylum

This book, Asylum, highlights the struggles and resilience of LGBTIQ+ refugees, showcasing their stories through powerful imagery and art.

The book Asylum explores the critical issue of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting the discrimination they face in their home countries due to their gender or sexual orientation. With over 40 percent of nations still enforcing harsh penalties, including imprisonment and even the death penalty, this fine-art book sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and empathy. It presents a collaborative effort involving five global associations and photographer Umberto Nicola Nicoletti, who aims to transform the narrative surrounding these individuals.

Through stunning glossy images reminiscent of fashion and advertising, Asylum seeks to elevate the subjects to a status of dignity and respect. Rather than traditional photographic reportage, this project serves as an artistic endeavor that reclaims the identity of LGBTIQ+ refugees, portraying them as celebrities, idols, and heroes. Each photograph tells a story, encouraging viewers to connect with the human experiences behind the statistics and societal stigma.

The book also addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ refugees, who often endure double discrimination as both immigrants and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. In refugee camps, they are particularly vulnerable, facing assaults and marginalization from other migrants. The goal of Asylum is to restore their individuality and showcase their true beauty, reminding the world of their humanity and the need for compassion and understanding.