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Holia in the USA Needs Help (December 8, 08)
While Holia was in Turkey seeking asylum, she worked illegally at night in order to afford basic life expenses. We often sent her money through the IRQR's Refugee Financial Assistance fund. Holia applied at the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ankara, Turkey and when she was granted refugee status, the UNHCR referred her case to the American embassy. In May 2008, after 14 months of living in a very difficult situation, she finally left Turkey and arrived in the United States of America. Holia is now living in Portland, Oregon but she is not yet secure. She still faces many problems. Holia doesn't receive ANY financial assistance from the government and she is forced to live in horrible conditions. Despite this adversity, Holia has the necessary legal documents such as an Oregon ID card, her Social Security Card and an Employee Card. She found a job which pays about $7 per hour but she is not doing well. Holia continues to wear men's clothes because she hasn't come out and told people she is a male to female transgender person. She has a very difficult job which poses great challenges to her. She would love to get back into her previous line of work as a hair stylist and make-up artist, something she found fulfilling. Holia has many abilities if only she could live and work in a more comfortable situation. The IRanian Queer Railroad cares about Iranian queer refugees, not only before their departure from their home country but also, after their resettlement in a safe country. Once they've fled Iran, their difficult journey is not over. In some ways, they need support even more than before. The IRQR is asking allies of Iranian queers who lives in the USA, especially those in the Portland area, to please help Holia in any way you can. Contact us and we will redirect your message to Holia. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Holia
is a 24 year old Iranian male to female transgender person. In 2006, she
left Iran for Turkey because of her sexual orientation and gender
identity. Holia is from one of Iran's wealthier families but
unfortunately, when her family found out about her sexuality, she faced
huge difficulties. Her family found it hard to accept the fact their son
was a transgender woman. Holia's family repeatedly said she brought shame
onto their honour. Eventually, they stopped supporting her and Holia had
no choice but to leave home.