Ahed’s Story
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Ahed grew up between Morocco, Jordan and Syria; but it’s Morocco “that will always be special in [their] heart, and that’s where [they] feel homesick for”. Speaking about their childhood bedroom, they tell me how it was “full of teddies, with Disney bedsheets and curtains” – even though it was “too much stuff – I […]
Lydia’s Story
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“My idea of home over the years has not changed – it’s always been safety, peace and love. I still look for that”, Club member Lydia told us. At home in Lagos, family dinner was every night – “it was a big thing growing up. We always made sure we had dinner together”. Her father […]
Imran’s Story
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For this year’s #refugeeweek, we’re celebrating the theme of #ourhome, inviting three of our members to share their stories of what home means to them and how Say It Loud Club helped them to find it. For LGBTQ+ refugees arriving in the UK, Say It Loud Club offers a community where our members can thrive […]
Our stories: Evans
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My name is Evans Izuchukwu Chukwumah. I’m originally from Nigeria. Growing up in my country didn’t give me any opportunities to embrace my sexuality, and I had to suffer in isolation. I was afraid to talk about my situation as I didn’t feel confident, nor was I comfortable enough to share my experience with anyone […]
Our stories: Ranjan
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My name is Ranjan. I come from Bangladesh and I belong to a Hindi community where I was rejected because of my sexuality. It was very tough growing up in my community as I constantly had to conceal my sexuality for fear of rejection and physical attacks. Because of a long time of concealment, I […]
Our stories: Diana
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My name is Diana. I live in a government provided accommodation for asylum seekers in Southall but I’m originally from Kenya. I fled from my country, where homosexuality is illegal and unacceptable everywhere. My family was very religious and completely opposed my sexuality. They attempted to perform exorcism/traditional healing to fix me. After going through […]
Our stories: Elvis
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My name is Elvis, I am a 62-year-old Nigerian man. I first came to the UK in August 2011, fleeing for my life. Before I came to England, I was living a decent life in Nigeria. I was married but also had a concealed relationship with my same-sex partner. In April 2011, however, our relationship […]
Our stories: Naznin
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My name is Naznin, I am a Muslim woman originally from Bangladesh. Being a woman in my country brings it own challenges, but even the little freedom I had left was taken away and my respect and identity denied because of being a lesbian. Growing up was very tough but I had managed to conceal […]
Our stories: Nadim
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My name is Nadim and my pronouns are he/him. I am 30 years’ old and am originally from Bangladesh Back home, I was a closeted gay man. I cried many nights on my own because I had no one to speak to about my sexuality, and the unbearable pain I went through. When I reached […]
Our stories: Kazi
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I am Kazi. I am friendly, fun-loving, passionate about photography and love to observe people surrounding me by visiting various places as a tourist. I was born in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. During my childhood, I was a shy and calm person. I always chose my friends very carefully. When I was 13, […]