One bisexual Afghan’s refugee story of hope.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser
[link removed]
.
[link removed]
Donate
[link removed]
[link removed]
Dear Friend,
I’m Rustam. I’m from Afghanistan, but I am now living safely in Canada thanks to you and Immigration Equality.
When I was 18, I googled “bisexual” for the first time. I read about people who are attracted to both men and women and immediately identified with them. As an effeminate boy, my classmates regularly beat me up. It became much worse when my family caught me with another boy. From then on, there was no safe place for me anywhere, even at home. I was trapped in a nightmare.
Friend
[link removed]
, giving to the Immigration Equality Rapid Response Fund means that when people like me ask for help, we get what they need. Will you give today?
[link removed]
[link removed]
Remarkably, I was able to secure a Turkish student visa, and I left for school. Life was still tough, but at least I didn’t feel like I was in constant mortal danger.
Three years later, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. I knew immediately that going back meant a death sentence for me. I was then horrified when the Turkish government informed me that I had just 18 months before they were sending me back to Afghanistan. I didn’t have a choice, I had to get out.
Desperate for help, I sought avenues for escape, and was so fortunate to find Immigration Equality! Because of your support, they spent many hours on the phone completing my refugee application, something I never could have done alone.
And then, all of a sudden, I received my refugee visa from Canada! It felt unbelievable knowing I had the chance to start a new life.
I’ve been in Canada for three months now, and life is great. I can be open about who I am, I feel confident, and I’m able to pursue both a career and the things I love to do, like dancing at gay bars!
When I dance, I feel I can express the freedom that I now have.
Friend, you could be part of giving this freedom to someone else. Immigration Equality’s Rapid Response Fund is a way to provide a lifeline to people who need it most.
W
[link removed]
ill you give a gift of $100 today?
[link removed]
Your friend,
Rustam
Please note: donations to the Immigration Equality Rapid Response Fund will be used to provide help where it is most needed. The Fund is not restricted to any specific program, project, or period of time. Thank you for your support!
Immigration Equality is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 13-3802711) and a proud participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (member number 40016). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Copyright © 2022, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Immigration Equality
594 Dean Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238
unsubscribe from all emails
[link removed]
update subscription preferences
[link removed]
