Dear Friend,

I was bullied for being gay before I even knew what that meant. I was tormented by students and teachers alike. Attacked and beaten. I constantly had to run and hide.

I left Russia and came to the U.S. just before the Russian government violently cracked down on the queer community. I felt like I was going to be killed if I went back. I was fleeing for my life.

That’s why when I landed in the U.S. for the first time, I felt a sense of euphoria. Now I can be myself. And because Immigration Equality helped me win asylum, I don’t have to worry that somebody’s going to kill me for just being who I am. I am safe. And it’s urgent that we provide safety to all asylum seekers who are LGBTQ or living with HIV. If you can, please donate.

Rush a gift of $100 so Immigration Equality can save the lives of asylum seekers in dire need.

I reached a point in my life in Russia where I could no longer be silent. I refused to conceal my identity. I started speaking out for LGBTQ rights on social media and going to LGBTQ rights demonstrations. I traveled to different cities in the hopes of finding like-minded people—and I did. But like me, they couldn’t live freely.

In the U.S., I felt I could finally be myself. And winning asylum started me on a long, powerful journey of healing and feeling safe. I’m infinitely grateful to Immigration Equality, and I want them to have the resources they need to save LGBTQ people whose lives are at risk every day. Please support queer, trans, and HIV-positive people by making a donation of $100 today.

Save lives by giving $100 to Immigration Equality today. Help win asylum for LGBTQ people in danger.

Here, no one restricts me from expressing my opinions. I have freedom. And since I received so much from Immigration Equality, I spend my time helping asylum seekers who are in the place I was seven years ago—scared and confused—to get help. I try to give back as much as I can, like volunteering for hunger prevention and food distribution programs.

Getting support and feeling safe changed my life. Together, we can change even more lives.

Thank you,

Vlad, Immigration Equality Client