"Before I thought that being homosexual was really something normal in the eyes of everyone, following this tragedy which really marked my mind, I no longer had the courage to reveal my identity at the risk of being persecuted."
Sponsors are critically required for asylum seekers from the 76 countries where LGBTIQ people are still being persecuted and murdered.
If any reader can assist K###i in any way, please contact Julian Punch ASAP via email at: jpunch@tassie.net.au
"Hello everyone. My name is K###i, (name masked for security reasons) I am a young Togolese aged 30. I come from a small village in northern Togo (Africa) where I lived with my parents, brothers and sisters. Since the age of 15, I had a strong attraction to men, it was a phenomenon that I myself did not understand and I thought I was possessed until the day I saw a homosexual couple on television who was kissing. So I understood that I wasn't possessed, I'm just different when it comes to my sexual preferences.
One day in our village, a gentleman and his homosexual friend who had lived discreetly for years were caught making love at one of their homes. They were surprised by a 17-year-old who did not hesitate to cry abomination while calling everyone. The two lovers were beaten and dragged on the ground until they went to the village chief where they were to be judged the next day. They were locked in a room awaiting trial the next day. Fortunately during the night one was able to escape, but the other was found dead in the early morning.
Before I thought that being homosexual was really something normal in the eyes of everyone, following this tragedy which really marked my mind, I no longer had the courage to reveal my identity at the risk of being persecuted.
Since then I have been living in total frustration and I am really looking for outside help to get out of this situation. It should be noted that in Togo, no law protects homosexuals. So we are exposed to risk every day. I would really like to have asylum in a country that supports us and offers us security, preferably Australia.
Thank you all for reading me.
K###i"
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