Bangladesh, Nov. 3 -- The United Kingdoms immigration detention system is once again under intense scrutiny-this time for its failure to protect one of the most vulnerable groups in its custody: LGBTQ+ migrants. Recent revelations have exposed shocking gaps in the training of staff working for private companies that manage the nations immigration removal centres, raising serious concerns about the safety and dignity of detained queer asylum seekers.

Documents obtained by the London-based charity Rainbow Migration and reviewed by openDemocracy show that companies such as Serco and Mitie-two of the UKs largest immigration service providers-are failing to adequately train staff to meet the specific needs of LGBTQ+ detainees. The findings po...