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An Iranian Lesbian Granted Protected Person Status in Canada (July 13, 10)
She was in danger of being deported out of Canada. As a homosexual, she was frightened to go back to Iran, and she consulted with the IRQR’s ED. “I was offered support, guidance, and tangible contributions to the evidence I was gathering for my case.” Mina wrote in her email to the IRQR today. The Iranian queer population suffers tremendously in Iran; they are faced with a variety of dangers on a daily basis. It is important to appreciate these dangers, because they are real and prevalent, from isolation to sanction to harassment to disciplining measures to imprisonment to torture and to the death penalty. These are people’s mental and physical well beings that are on the line. “I myself am immensely thankful for the freedom I enjoy in this beautiful country of Canada. I am also tremendously thankful to IRQR, because the assistance that I was provided with aided in the success of my case. After so many years of living in fear I can finally rest my mind and know that I am allowed to live without fear. I am only wishing the same for my fellow Iranians and all people around the world who suffer due to discrimination and persecution.” Mina stated in her email. She advised all Iranian queers that “never give up on your dreams, goals, and your faith. Reach out a hand, for you do not know who might be able to help you in these situations. I know that after a life of discrimination, many find it hard to reach out. I hope that you can take comfort in the fact that organizations such as the IRQR are here to help you. I also would like to express my gratitude to the IRQR who guides and supports people like me in the hardest of times.” Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees is currently working with more than 260 asylum seekers worldwide. IRQR received 38 refugee cases in 2009 and so far 14 cases in 2010. We believe that Iranian queers are entitled to live, free from persecution and the threat of death just because of who they love. The IRQR works to increase public awareness about, and provide support such as legal services and financial assistance, to refugees leaving Iran because of persecution bases on their sexual orientation and gender identity. IRQR has played and continues to perform an extremely influential role in obtaining refugee status for Iranian queer asylum seekers. IRQR advocates on their behalf until their cases are fully resolved. We are most grateful for your concern and compassion on behalf of Iranian queers, demonstrated by your past contributions. Your support has been instrumental in easing our financial burden and advancing our cause. To find more information about how you can get involved more please visit our website at www.irqr.net
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We are
writing about Mina, an Iranian lesbian, who has been recently granted
protected person status in Canada. She was born in Iran and moved to
Europe at a very young age. She was the object of continuous harassment
and discrimination due to her ethnicity. She was verbally, emotionally,
and physically harassed by authority figures and the general population
there. She decided to flee to Canada to start a new life for herself, to
recover emotionally and physically. She arrived in Canada and applied for
refugee status. She was granted status as a refugee, which was later
overturned. She went through a lot of emotional distress over the many
years, because she was not certain about where she was going to be, and
whether she was going to be safe.