Common Questions

Who does LGBTQI Associació Far serve?

LGBTQI+ Associació Far supports trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals, with a primary focus on those facing displacement, instability, or safety risks.

At this time, our work is focused on U.S. citizens and residents seeking:

• Asylum or international protection

• Relocation due to safety concerns

• Support navigating unsafe or unstable environments

We prioritize individuals experiencing:

• Discrimination, harassment, or violence

• Housing insecurity or homelessness

• Lack of access to affirming healthcare

• Financial instability or lack of support systems

We may also support partners or chosen family on a case-by-case basis.

Do you help people in other parts of Spain?

Can I apply if I have a disability or medical condition?

Can I apply if I am living with HIV?

Can partners apply together?

Yes. Having a disability, chronic illness, or mental health condition does not disqualify you.

You may still apply, and in some cases, your condition may support your claim if it contributes to:

• Discrimination

• Lack of access to care

• Unsafe living conditions

We also help identify support systems to ensure your needs are met upon arrival.

Yes. Partners can often apply together, depending on their legal relationship.

• Married spouses and registered partners can typically be included in the same application

• Unmarried partners may need to apply separately but can reference each other’s cases

Each situation is different, and we can help guide you based on your circumstances.

At this time, our support is focused specifically on Barcelona and the surrounding Catalonia region.

This is based on direct, lived experience navigating the asylum process here, which allows us to provide the most accurate and reliable guidance possible.

As we grow, we hope to expand our support to other regions in Spain. We are always happy to share general resources when possible.

Yes. HIV status does not prevent you from applying for asylum.

In some cases, it may even strengthen a claim if you face:

• Discrimination or violence

• Denial of medical care

• Criminalization or stigma

All medical information is treated as confidential, and support is available during the process.

Yes. You do not need to have started transitioning to apply.

You are not required to:

• Be on hormones

• Have had surgery

• Have updated documents

• Present in a certain way

What matters is your identity and the risk you face — not how far along you are in transition.

Can I apply if I haven’t started my transition?

What if I’m not publicly out?

You can still apply.

Many people are not out due to safety concerns. You are not required to be publicly out to qualify.

What matters is your identity and the risk you would face if forced to return to your home country.

Can I bring a pet with me?

Yes, but there are specific requirements.

Pets must have:

• A microchip

• A valid rabies vaccination

• A health certificate issued shortly before travel

Costs can range from approximately €250 to €1,200 depending on the animal and airline.

We recommend planning ahead, as paperwork and timing are critical.

How much money do I need?

Costs vary, but general estimates are:

Travel to Spain:

• €700 – €1,200 (average)

Living expenses (first 6 months):

• €5,000 – €8,000 (realistic range)

With a pet:

• Additional €400 – €1,200

We recommend planning for as much financial cushion as possible.

Can I change my gender marker later if my documents don’t match?

Yes.

You can still apply even if your documents do not reflect your gender identity.

You may be able to update your documents later through your home country. In the meantime, your identity can still be recognized and respected during the asylum process.

You can also change your gender marker on Spanish documents and IDs after going through the appropriate channels (i.e. gender affirming letter from Spanish medical provider, court order to change your gender marker, and resubmitting documents to update your IDs).

Do you provide financial assistance?

At this time, we are a 100% volunteer-based organization and cannot guarantee direct financial support at this time.

However, we:

• Help guide fundraising efforts

• Share crowdfunding campaigns (send us the link and we’ll post it to our stories!)

• Connect individuals with resources and organizations for food and housing assistance once you are in Spain.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring:

Essential items:

• Passport and identification

• Medications (at least 1–3 months)

• Phone and charger

• A small amount of money

Important documents:

• Medical records (see asylum packet)

• Legal documents (Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Photo ID or DL)

• Proof supporting your asylum claim (reports, messages, articles, etc.)

Always keep important items in your carry-on and store digital copies online.