This badge is often seen in St Mary’s. Members of the congregation wear them both in church and in their daily lives to indicate their support for those who are seeking refuge and asylum in this country. Some members of the congregation are involved in providing practical support for asylum seekers. Some are involved in campaigning for safe and secure housing for refugees and the clergy of the cathedral have repeatedly spoken out against the “hostile environment” policies of the government.
This badge is a reminder that some have to seek asylum because they come from countries where their LGBT identity puts their lives at risk. It is still illegal to be LGBT+ in about 70 countries in the world. In 12 countries the death penalty still exists for LGBT+ offences.