Two years ago, I escaped my home in Iran. BY LAW, I could have been killed,
just because I’m gay.
I trekked all the way to Australia, convinced I'd be safe. But Australian immigration
turned me away.
They dumped me on the island of Nauru, where it’s illegal to be gay.
On Nauru, I met Ashkan who also escaped Iran, and we fell in love. We are happy to
have each other, but we’re still living a nightmare: we've been violently beaten on
the street because we’re gay.
I don’t know why Australia won’t accept us. Alone, our cry for help isn’t loud enough.
That’s why I’m asking you to join in:
Australia’s detention system is bad for everyone, not just Ashkan and me: their
terrible refugee policy is violating basic human rights.
Australia is lobbying to be on the United Nation’s Human Right’s council, which is
meeting right now. A huge outcry for me and Ashkan could shine a spotlight on
Australia's horrible refugee problem, and force the government to get their act
together. For my sake, my partner’s sake, and for other refugees facing violence
and discrimination because they aren’t accepted into Australia,
Nima, the All Out team, and Australia’s Human Rights Law Centre.
