Immigration Equality client Ishalaa Ortega at the 2022 NYC Pride March.

Dear Friend,

Growing up in Chad as a lesbian woman was difficult. I faced rejection at every corner—my siblings, my extended family, and the rest of the community despised me for who I was.  

I fell in love with a close friend, but we knew we had to keep our love a secret. If anyone saw us being too affectionate on the street, we faced danger. 

When my family found out about our relationship, I faced the threat of violence from my very own brother. If my mother didn’t protect me, I might have been killed. If I wanted to protect myself from immediate harm, I had no choice but to marry a man.  

It was then I knew I had to leave Chad and find refuge in the United States—where I found Immigration Equality. They supported me with the most wonderful lawyers, secured me asylum and made me feel safe in a country where I can now be myself.  

This Give OUT Day, join my campaign to raise $5,000 for their life-saving work. Contribute $100 to support direct legal representation for queer asylum seekers like me. 

Being granted asylum was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Today, I am free. Free from the threat of violence, free to love whom I love, and be who I want to be. I feel good knowing I can’t be sent back to Chad where I will be persecuted for my orientation. 

Now that I am safe in the U.S. I plan to go to school and become either a nurse or own a business. I would love to travel the entire country and visit every single state.  

My wish is to settle in a nice state, have a nice job, and to be with someone whom I love. Unfortunately, in Chad, these simple hopes are unattainable for LGBTQ people.  

Together, we can help more LGBTQ asylum seekers fulfill their dreams. Join me in my Give OUT Day campaign to raise $5,000.  

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

Thank you,  

Mandibe, Client  
Immigration Equality