Dear Friend,
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Back in Moscow, my life felt like a dream. As a university professor, I earned a good living doing what I love. I found a community of people that embraced me for exactly who I was.
When Putin regained control of Russia, my dream was shattered. He stoked violence against LGBTQ people with homophobic laws and rhetoric. As a gay man, I had a target on my back.
Life was never the same, as police officers brutalized me. Friends of mine were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. Terrified, I left everything behind seeking safe haven in the U.S.
When I arrived, I contacted Immigration Equality right away for help with my asylum case. They found the most wonderful lawyers to take on my case, and last spring I won asylum! I feel safe and am finally free to be myself.
I’m protected from deportation, but so many other LGBTQ refugees are still at risk. That’s why giving to Immigration Equality is so important. By donating today, you’re doing the single most important thing to assist LGBTQ asylum seekers. You're helping them lawyer up.
While I can’t replicate what I created in Russia, I’m creating a life that I love here in Los Angeles. My hopes for the future are simple: to have a good career, have kids with my husband, and live a normal life like everyone else.
Unfortunately, in Russia—and so many other countries around the world—these simple hopes are unattainable for LGBTQ people.
Will you help LGBTQ asylum seekers lawyer up by making a gift today?
Thank you,
Roman, Client
Immigration Equality |
