"I was a [bank] branch manager back in Uganda," Simon* a gay man in his mid-30s, said as he opened up to me about how his life was so different just five years ago. "When I was [outed] as gay, things turned upside down, which led me to flee my home country to seek asylum in Kenya due to fear of persecution," he said.
Simon's journey to Kenya was a harrowing one. After being attacked by his family in Uganda, he traveled by foot to Kenya, sleeping outside along the Kenya and Uganda border while making his way to Nairobi. "I stayed the whole day hungry, not knowing what to do next," he shared about his first steps in the new country with what little money he had left to support himself.
Three days later, he arrived in Nairobi, where he slept on the streets until a kind stranger directed him where he could register as an asylum seeker. Upon registering, he learned he would go to Kakuma Refugee Camp, a process that took several days. "It was so tiresome...to reach Kakuma," he said.
When Simon arrived at the reception center in Kakuma, it reminded him of primary school. "Remember, I was working and supporting myself financially [in Uganda] ...the experience in the reception center brought me back to school. You have to line up to get food; if your shirt is untucked, you don't eat." While reeling from this dramatic change in his life and wrestling with fears of the future, Simon's phone was stolen from his belongings, cutting off his access to friends and community.
Simon felt alone in the camp until he met a small community of other LGBTIQ refugees from Uganda. He shared that when people heard the group speak to each other in their native language and discovered their sexuality, they would spit on them. Simon painfully recalled an experience of being denied service at an Ethiopian restaurant after the owner overheard them speak in their native language. "This is a gesture these people view us as Satan," he shared.
LGBTIQ refugees in Kakuma still live in fear of social persecution and have little support from the officials. Simon recalled visiting a market during the day with a small group, including a trans woman, when a group of homophobic refugees brutally attacked them. When Simon and the group reported the attack, officers faulted them for leaving the reception center. Despite desperately advocating for themselves, there was no recourse for the attackers, forcing the group to find healing within themselves. Unfortunately, like so many other LGBTIQ refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp, this would be only the first of several instances of violence against Simon.
While Simon persevered for years in Kakuma, relief came when he learned about ORAM in 2022. Embracing his passion for learning, he began skills training in catering in June 2023. "I really appreciate the support ORAM is giving to us. It has given us hope that we are human beings, we can be served, we can get assistance like other people get in the camp," he reflected.
Now, with a foundation to support himself, Simon dreams of a future where he can advocate for others. "I know that one day, I will be able to advocate for vulnerable people. I see what I'm supposed to do," he said.
Simon encourages ORAM's global community to donate to change the lives of LGBTIQ refugees. "ORAM has done tremendous [things] for the LGBTIQ community in Kakuma," he reflected on his experience.
"[It's] giving hope to people that they have people who think about them somewhere...It is really a gesture of love and care," he said. "You can donate to ORAM today, and it is supporting me. But it is not only me; it's supporting the people behind me. My prayers [to you] are never to stop supporting ORAM," he shared with a smile.
Join the Refugee Pride: 365 movement to empower LGBTIQ refugees like Simon toward a better future.
Refugee Pride: 365 calls us all to remember that Pride extends past Pride Month celebrations. Over 60 countries criminalize same-sex relationships, and countless more ignore social persecution. Every day, LGBTIQ refugees flee their home country in hopes of finding safety. ORAM works in transit countries to protect, empower, and advocate for LGBTIQ refugees.
*Simon's name and image have been changed to protect his safety.
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