Dear Friend,

In Moscow, I was a successful university professor writing my PhD. I earned enough to rent an apartment in an ideal location. It was like a dream—except for one thing. 

Living in Russia as a gay man was miserable.  

One of the many times I was stopped by the police, they fought me to the floor, and kicked me repeatedly in the stomach. I came home shattered. It was then I knew I had to leave Russia for the U.S. 

Immigration Equality gave me the most wonderful lawyers. I recently won my asylum case, and finally feel free. I’m asking you to donate so LGBTQ asylum seekers like me can walk down the street without fearing for their lives.   

Collaborate with Immigration Equality on their life-saving work with a gift of $100 today. Your donation supports direct legal representation for queer asylum seekers.

Roman & his husband

When I found out I had been granted asylum, I burst into tears. 

After four years of waiting for approval of my asylum, I am no longer so limited in what I can do. I love traveling, and I can travel again. But most importantly, I’m protected from being sent back to Russia, where my life is in danger. 

When I left Russia, I left a career, and I left my friends. It was just like saying goodbye to the life that I built, that I worked really hard for.  

While I can’t replicate what I created in Russia, I’m creating a life that I love here in Los Angeles. For one, I’m now married to a wonderful and supportive man. I was also recently accepted into a doctoral program for clinical psychology, which starts in the fall.  
 
My hopes for the future are simple: to have a good career, have kids, and have a normal life like everyone else. Unfortunately, in Russia, these simple hopes are unattainable for LGBTQ people. 

Together, we can help more LGBTQ asylum seekers fulfill their dreams.  

Will you give $100 today to secure safety and asylum for people like me?

Thank you, 

Roman, Client 
Immigration Equality