Hi Friend, 

I’m Ayna, a lesbian asylee from the former Soviet Union—and a U.S. servicemember. 

Since I was very young, I always knew I would find my Mrs. Right. At that age, I also knew I couldn’t be openly gay, but that didn’t stop me from thinking about how there must be a nice girl out there for me in a city that welcomes us both as we are.

The feeling only grew stronger when I was able to visit New York during an exchange program. Fast forward 10 years, after surviving many hardships at home—I found Mrs. Right.

Without Immigration Equality, we would not have the beautiful life we have today. They fought for my right to remain in the U.S. so I could finally realize my dream of living free and without fear.
 

Donate $20 to Immigration Equality, but remember: any gift—no matter how big or small—makes a difference. 

My wife, Julie, and I have a son, borne of a forced marriage I survived in the former Soviet Union. Throughout those years, I needed to stay strong not just for myself, but for my child, too. 

After years of abuse, I knew that if I wanted a happy life with my son, I had to escape. I learned English on my own. I returned to New York, and I found Immigration Equality. They not only fought for my safety and freedom, they successfully fought to reunite me with my son after five and a half years of being separated. 

My son is very proud of his gay momma. Or should I say mommas? After winning asylum and regaining custody of my son, I met and married my beautiful wife, Julie. She’s a gem who is very proud of my journey. Without Immigration Equality, Julie and I would not be in each other’s lives.

This is my new home. Even though I couldn’t live out my dreams in Central Asia, I am grateful to be able to do so in the U.S.

I want to help make it an even more beautiful, accepting place for those who are also searching for freedom. This is why I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, to ensure this country remains the home of the free and the brave. 

Once my service ends, I am hoping to return to my family and my home state of New York to dedicate more of my free time to Immigration Equality. I will serve our country until then.

Friend, will you contribute $20 on Veterans Day?
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