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, giving to the Rapid Response Fund means that Immigration Equality will be able to help when people like me are in danger. Will you give today?

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 needed to get out.  ​​​​​​
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D​esperate 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.

With Immigration Equality's help, 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.

Your friend,  
Rustam