Welcome to our community!
Here in Austria, homosexual desire and love are basically accepted: by the law as well as the greater part of society (though not each and every one is tolerant with us, of course). So if you have homosexual feelings this is perfectly all right and you do not need to have fear. In Austria, everyone is called on by the law not to discriminate against people because of the sexual orientation, sexual identity, biological sex etc. Please, be aware, however, that among your co-refugees your same-sex orientation is likely to be denied, and you might experience insult, marginalisation or even aggression. Hence, be advised to keep your privacy and secret to yourself. Only address trustworthy persons in this respect, particularly turn to your tutors who appear to be understanding.
What is also important for you is the fact that your homosexuality is a decisive criterion for being granted political asylum in the EU, provided you fled from a country that is unsafe for gays and lesbians. So, please, be advised to confidently tell the respective officials who are competent for your application for asylum about your homosexuality and the severe problems for you that were associated with it.
Whenever you feel like talking to peers who are homosexuals, bisexuals or transsexuals, feel free to contact us. We are a lobby and service organization working (on a completely voluntary basis) in favour of even more tolerance, acceptance and social integration of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. We offer you to talk with a counsellor (male or female, as you may chose) or just drop in at our little communication centre and have some talks and make or meet friends. Therefore, we provide you with the information needed:
Name: HOSI Linz
Homosexual Initiative Linz (HOSI Linz) – The Lesbian and Gay Movement in Upper Austria
Address: Schillerstraße 49
(look up how to get there on www.hosilinz.at > TIPPS > Anfahrt)
City: Linz / Postal code: 4020
Hotline (a counsellor answering):
0732 60 98 98 extension 4
(English and German spoken)
Hotline operating hours:
Mondays and Thursdays,
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (2000 – 2200 hrs.)
In urgent cases only: 0732 60 98 98
(a board member will be available or you may leave a message in the voice mailbox)
Opening hours: getting together Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (2100 – 0200 hrs.); when you declare your refugee status you will be invited for a welcome drink for free, moreover you are certainly not obliged to consume costly); for further events, visit our Website > TERMINE (events) > Kalender (time schedule).
All the information: www.hosilinz.at (in German)
E-mail contacts: for general information ooe@hosilinz.at (team members answering), for counselling beratung@hosilinz.at (a counsellor answering)
Notice: Sexual contacts with children, i.e. youths younger than 14 years of age, are strictly forbidden by Austrian criminal law. Please, do not take erotic pictures from those who might not have turned 18 yet. Sex is also prohibited when exerting any pressure, certainly rape and any other kind of force in terms of sex. The terms under which sexual relations are accepted are the free decision to, and consensus about, having sex and making love. Respectfulness is a major principle, and any “no” is a clear decline. Sex with minor prostitutes (i.e. under 18) is outlawed as well as making use of someone’s mental backwardness that prevents him or her, when aged below 16, from deciding sovereignly about having sex. In particular, it is worthwhile noting that police are obliged by regulation not to discriminate against gays and lesbians, but rather treat them with respect.
Preview: We are planning to establish a buddy service, trying to form a group of volunteers who will offer to spend some time with you, lending an ear to your concerns and introducing you somewhat better to social life in Upper Austria (though, unfortunately, we have not been specialising in all those matters and procedures in terms of asylum, dwelling or work, sorry, there are specialists for that, please ask your tutors).
If you happen to have any questions, wishes or problems concerning homosexuality or related matters, just contact us, and we will try to help you if possible. Please, be aware that all of us from HOSI Linz have to work for our livings and, hence, cannot be of service to you but during our leisure hours. Thank you.
Have a good time in Upper Austria!
Yours team and community with HOSI Linz
Download: hosilinz_refugeeswelcome_engl_2019_web (english Version)