{"id":3271,"date":"2019-05-13T09:56:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T09:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/?p=3271"},"modified":"2022-05-02T03:20:10","modified_gmt":"2022-05-02T08:20:10","slug":"the-power-of-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/2019\/05\/the-power-of-love\/","title":{"rendered":"The power of love"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on||” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/00-RF2224038_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran28.jpg” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” scroll_down_icon_color=”#0072bc” button_one_text=”Their stories” button_one_url=”#anchor-2″ background_overlay_color=”rgba(22,22,22,0.3)” content_max_width=”450px” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80″ title_font_size_tablet=”65″ title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” title_line_height=”0.9″ subhead_font=”|600|||||||” subhead_text_color=”#f4f4f4″ subhead_font_size=”29px” subhead_font_size_phone=”20px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”]<\/p>\n

The power
of love<\/h1>\n

Meet the LGBTI refugees finding love beyond borders<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”|on|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_margin=”||0px|” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Header Image Mobile” src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/00-RF2224038_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran28.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_id=”anchor-2″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”-30px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”-30px||-30px|” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row custom_padding=”5px||5px|” background_position_1=”top_left” background_position_2=”top_left” background_repeat_1=”no-repeat” background_repeat_2=”no-repeat” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” text_orientation=”right” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Pablo Villagran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_color=”#000000″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=”Fullwidth Header Mobile” scroll_down_icon_color=”#0072bc” button_one_text=”Their stories” button_one_url=”#anchor-2″ background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” content_max_width=”500px” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”80″ title_font_size_tablet=”65″ title_font_size_phone=”50″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” title_line_height=”0.9″ subhead_font=”|600|||||||” subhead_text_color=”#f4f4f4″ subhead_font_size=”29px” subhead_font_size_phone=”20px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”]<\/p>\n

The power
of love<\/h1>\n

Meet the LGBTI refugees finding love beyond borders<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/5-RF2224492_20190429_mr_IMG_23.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/5-RF2224492_20190429_mr_IMG_23.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 1″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Shortly after police found the body of her friend, who had been raped and killed for revealing she was gay, Maritza (left) realised she would be next.<\/p>\n

\u201cMum called me one day crying,\u201d the 48-year-old recalls. Men had put a gun to her head and said Maritza was a target. \u201cShe told me to get the hell out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The last time she saw her home of Honduras was through a plane window as the airliner set out for Spain 2008.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 1″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/5-RF2224492_20190429_mr_IMG_23.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 1″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Shortly after police found the body of her friend, who had been raped and killed for revealing she was gay, Maritza (left) heard the news that she would be next.<\/p>\n

\u201cMum called me one day crying,\u201d the 48-year-old recalls. Men had put a gun to her head and said Maritza was a target. \u201cShe told me to get the hell out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The last time she saw her home of Honduras was through a plane window as the airliner set out for Spain 2008.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/b_RF2224500_20190429_mr_IMG_14.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/b_RF2224500_20190429_mr_IMG_14.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 2″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Now, over a decade later, Maritza has finally found safety and love as a refugee with her partner Jenny in Barcelona. The two met online in 2015 when Maritza was at her lowest ebb. Since then, they have built an unbreakable bond and a business together \u2013\u00a0a tattoo parlour, named after her friend who was murdered in Honduras.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am safe here,\u201d says Maritza. \u201cI have my business, I have my love. Without love, you can\u2019t live. By myself, I don\u2019t think I could have built this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0\u201cI am safe here. I have my business, I have my love. Without love, you can\u2019t live.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/b_RF2224500_20190429_mr_IMG_14.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 2″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Now, over a decade later, Maritza has finally found safety and love as a refugee with her partner Jenny in Barcelona. The two met online in 2015 when Maritza was at her lowest ebb. Since then, they have built an unbreakable bond and a business together \u2013\u00a0a tattoo parlour, named after her friend who was murdered in Honduras.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am safe here,\u201d says Maritza. \u201cI have my business, I have my love. Without love, you can\u2019t live. By myself, I don\u2019t think I could have built this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0\u201cI am safe here. I have my business, I have my love. Without love, you can\u2019t live.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224487_20190429_mr_IMG_26.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224487_20190429_mr_IMG_26.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 3″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Rising numbers of LGBTI people are fleeing violence or persecution around the world. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association<\/a>, over 70 countries criminalize same-sex relationships and five apply the death penalty. Even in safety, many LGBTI refugees struggle to find the support they need.<\/p>\n

Some, like Maritza, have found that love can give them the strength to heal and rebuild.<\/p>\n

\u201cJenny found me when I was in a bad situation,\u201d she says. \u201cI had depression and was living in a shelter for homeless people. I wanted to meet someone, but I also wanted to be needed. When we met, I saw her smile and liked her immediately. We have been a big support for each other. I wish we had met 20 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 3″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224487_20190429_mr_IMG_26.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 3″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Rising numbers of LGBTI people are fleeing violence or persecution around the world. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association<\/a>, over 70 countries criminalize same-sex relationships and five apply the death penalty. Even in safety, many LGBTI refugees struggle to find the support they need.<\/p>\n

Some, like Maritza, have found that love can give them the strength to heal and rebuild.<\/p>\n

\u201cJenny found me when I was in a bad situation,\u201d she says. \u201cI had depression and was living in a shelter for homeless people. I wanted to meet someone, but I also wanted to be needed. When we met, I saw her smile and liked her immediately. We have been a big support for each other. I wish we had met 20 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/6-RF2224499_20190429_mr_IMG_16.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/6-RF2224499_20190429_mr_IMG_16.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 4″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

The gentle buzz of her tattoo needle belies a painful past in Honduras.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother was a sex worker and I hardly saw my father. I grew up with different people. At the age of nine, I went to live with my godfather, who abused me sexually, physically and mentally. I used to travel all the time to the capital to see my mum. She would buy me presents \u2013 gold watches, Nike tennis shoes \u2013 I was the richest girl in school. But I was never at home because I was being abused there. I led a double life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have been a big support for each other. I wish we had met 20 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 4″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/6-RF2224499_20190429_mr_IMG_16.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 4″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

The gentle buzz of her tattoo needle belies a painful past in Honduras.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother was a sex worker and I hardly saw my father. I grew up with different people. At the age of nine, I went to live with my godfather, who abused me sexually, physically and mentally. I used to travel all the time to the capital to see my mum. She would buy me presents \u2013 gold watches, Nike tennis shoes \u2013 I was the richest girl in school. But I was never at home because I was being abused there. I led a double life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have been a big support for each other. I wish we had met 20 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224514_20190429_mr_IMG_01.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224514_20190429_mr_IMG_01.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 5″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

When she was 17, Maritza left for the United States, where she found work. By the time she returned to Honduras in 2004, she knew she was gay.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was awful,\u201d says Maritza. \u201cI became a school teacher, but they fired me when they found out I was gay. I knew the headteacher had seen me with my girlfriend because her car passed us twice. I was really angry. I became an activist when my friend was knifed 22 times. In Honduras, gay people don\u2019t have a life. You spend the whole time being discriminated against. I can\u2019t ever go back.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 5″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2224514_20190429_mr_IMG_01.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Markel Redondo<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 5″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

When she was 17, Maritza left for the United States, where she found work. By the time she returned to Honduras in 2004, she knew she was gay.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was awful,\u201d says Maritza. \u201cI became a school teacher, but they fired me when they found out I was gay. I knew the headteacher had seen me with my girlfriend because her car passed us twice. I was really angry. I became an activist when my friend was knifed 22 times. In Honduras, gay people don\u2019t have a life. You spend the whole time being discriminated against. I can\u2019t ever go back.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/13-RF2225763_190506DI_LBN_Diego_001.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/13-RF2225763_190506DI_LBN_Diego_001.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 6″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Even after they have fled home, LGBTI refugees can be subject to continued harm, either in transit or their countries of asylum. Many try to hide their sexual orientation or gender identities in an effort to avoid abuse, making it difficult for aid agencies like UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to identify and support them.<\/p>\n

Samer* and Fadi* are still at risk, despite seeking asylum. The Syrian couple fled home when Samer\u2019s brother threatened to kill Fadi. Since then, they have been forced to move home six times in an effort to escape him.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0\u201cWe did not go through it all to get separated again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 6″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/13-RF2225763_190506DI_LBN_Diego_001.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 6″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Even after they have fled home, LGBTI refugees can be subject to continued harm, either in transit or their countries of asylum. Many try to hide their sexual orientation or gender identities in an effort to avoid abuse, making it difficult for aid agencies like UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to identify and support them.<\/p>\n

Samer* (left) and Fadi* are still at risk, despite seeking asylum. The Syrian couple fled home when Samer\u2019s brother threatened to kill Fadi. Since then, they have been forced to move home six times in an effort to escape him.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe did not go through it all to get separated again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226888_190506DI_LBN_Diego_004.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226888_190506DI_LBN_Diego_004.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 7″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Even now, the two men are too afraid to reveal where they are living.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe planned our escape for a year,\u201d says 28-year-old Samer. \u201cWe had no money, nothing, so we saved some. But our experience in exile is not what we expected. The fears did not go away, the threats did not go away, we still live in fear. Living here has been hard. There is so much discrimination against us as Syrians and even integrating in the LGBT community here has been hard. We feel different.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 7″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226888_190506DI_LBN_Diego_004.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 7″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Even now, the two men are too afraid to reveal where they are living.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe planned our escape for a year,\u201d says 28-year-old Samer. \u201cWe had no money, nothing, so we saved some. But our experience in exile is not what we expected. The fears did not go away, the threats did not go away, we still live in fear. Living here has been hard. There is so much discrimination against us as Syrians and even integrating in the LGBT community here has been hard. We feel different.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/12-RF2225765_190506DI_LBN_Diego_003.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/12-RF2225765_190506DI_LBN_Diego_003.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 8″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Fadi and Samer hope to be resettled somewhere safe. And, despite the threats and fear, the love they share gives them the strength to keep going.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave up everything to be with him,\u201d says 24-year-old Fadi. \u201cIt is my right to live with the person I love, without having anyone asking me what is happening and why. I want to be free and to live a normal life. I love him so much. He makes me stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samer, who once saved Fadi from killing himself after their families attempted to separate them, cannot imagine life without his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is strong,\u201d he says. \u201cIf he wasn\u2019t strong, he wouldn\u2019t be here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt is my right to live with the person I love, without having anyone asking me what is happening and why.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 8″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/12-RF2225765_190506DI_LBN_Diego_003.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 8″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Fadi and Samer hope to be resettled somewhere safe. And, despite the threats and fear, the love they share gives them the strength to keep going.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave up everything to be with him,\u201d says 24-year-old Fadi. \u201cIt is my right to live with the person I love, without having anyone asking me what is happening and why. I want to be free and to live a normal life. I love him so much. He makes me stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samer, who once saved Fadi from killing himself after their families attempted to separate them, cannot imagine life without his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is strong,\u201d he says. \u201cIf he wasn\u2019t strong, he wouldn\u2019t be here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt is my right to live with the person I love, without having anyone asking me what is happening and why.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226889_190506DI_LBN_Diego_005.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226889_190506DI_LBN_Diego_005.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 9″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Support networks are vital for LGBTI refugees, who have often lost the support of family and friends and are vulnerable to violence or abuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs human beings we all rely on our support networks, be it family, friends, or community and religious groups,\u201d said UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi last year. \u201cWhen people flee their homes and communities, their support networks become fragile and broken, and the protection risks they face often become more acute.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 9″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226889_190506DI_LBN_Diego_005.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Diego Ibarra S\u00e1nchez<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 9″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Support networks are vital for LGBTI refugees, who have often lost the support of family and friends and are vulnerable to violence or abuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs human beings we all rely on our support networks, be it family, friends, or community and religious groups,\u201d said UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi last year. \u201cWhen people flee their homes and communities, their support networks become fragile and broken, and the protection risks they face often become more acute.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/00-RF2224038_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran28.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/00-RF2224038_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran28.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 10″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Transgender activist Pedro*, 25, is finally able to look forward to the future after fleeing El Salvador and seeking asylum in Guatemala.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn El Salvador, it is especially hard when you are transgender,\u201d says Pedro. \u201cMy life was at risk because of my gender identity. Gangs wanted me to sell drugs for them. They believed that because I am a transgender person, I was someone who could pass unnoticed by the police. I refused to do it several times, but one night they showed up at my house and threatened me. They told me they would kill me if I didn\u2019t comply. I did not want to leave my country, but I couldn\u2019t stay in a place that put my life in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

While LGBTI people can suffer serious violence and discrimination in Guatemala, Pedro has found safety in his small community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Guatemala, I feel accepted in my neighbourhood and very few people discriminate against me. I made a new friend who I can trust. I also met my partner Lucia* while coordinating a meeting for the Pride parade celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Pablo Villagran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 10″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/00-RF2224038_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran28.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Pablo Villagran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 10″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Transgender activist Pedro* (left), 25, is finally able to look forward to the future after fleeing El Salvador and seeking asylum in Guatemala.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn El Salvador, it is especially hard when you are transgender,\u201d says Pedro. \u201cMy life was at risk because of my gender identity. Gangs wanted me to sell drugs for them. They believed that because I am a transgender person, I was someone who could pass unnoticed by the police. I refused to do it several times, but one night they showed up at my house and threatened me. They told me they would kill me if I didn\u2019t comply. I did not want to leave my country, but I couldn\u2019t stay in a place that put my life in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

While LGBTI people can suffer serious violence and discrimination in Guatemala, Pedro has found safety in his small community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Guatemala, I feel accepted in my neighbourhood and very few people discriminate against me. I made a new friend who I can trust. I also met my partner Lucia* while coordinating a meeting for the Pride parade celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/1-RF2224036_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran31.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/1-RF2224036_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran31.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 11″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, it was like love at first sight,\u201d continues Pedro. \u201cI feel like I am regaining my life, thanks to her. We have been dating for almost a year now.\u00a0 We love to go to local parks and sit at the root of big trees and talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

He and 25-year-old Lucia radiate happiness. Passionate about human rights, they are determined to keep fighting for others.\u201cIf LGBTI people are being abused or discriminated against, it is important to report it,\u201d says Pedro. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t stay quiet when things like this happen. Fear should not stop us. We should have the right to be who we are, to be free and to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe should have the right to be who we are, to be free and to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Pablo Villagran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 11″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/1-RF2224036_20190424_GUA_Pablo-Villagran31.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Pablo Villagran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 11″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, it was like love at first sight,\u201d continues Pedro. \u201cI feel like I am regaining my life, thanks to her. We have been dating for almost a year now.\u00a0 We love to go to local parks and sit at the root of big trees and talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

He and 25-year-old Lucia radiate happiness. Passionate about human rights, they are determined to keep fighting for others.\u201cIf LGBTI people are being abused or discriminated against, it is important to report it,\u201d says Pedro. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t stay quiet when things like this happen. Fear should not stop us. We should have the right to be who we are, to be free and to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe should have the right to be who we are, to be free and to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226890_20190421_4Q7A1249_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226890_20190421_4Q7A1249_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 12″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

LGBTI refugees also have plenty to contribute.<\/p>\n

Amani, 38, fled Libya after her family found out she was gay and threatened to close down her business. A lack of financial, social and other support from family and communities can leave many LGBTI people vulnerable. Gay women are especially at risk in societies where women have inferior social and economic status.<\/p>\n

Cut off from her family, Amani sought asylum in Italy. The entrepreneur spent almost a year living in a centre for refugees and migrants, along with 60 other women.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was sad and crying in my room,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI wanted my privacy, but I was sharing with three girls. You had to be careful who you spoke to. I felt like I was alone and hiding my identify because I was afraid people would attack me. But, after a few months, I started to speak with my case worker and open up about why I was there.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 12″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2226890_20190421_4Q7A1249_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 12″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

LGBTI refugees also have plenty to contribute.<\/p>\n

Amani, 38, fled Libya after her family found out she was gay and threatened to close down her business. A lack of financial, social and other support from family and communities can leave many LGBTI people vulnerable. Gay women are especially at risk in societies where women have inferior social and economic status.<\/p>\n

Cut off from her family, Amani sought asylum in Italy. The entrepreneur spent almost a year living in a centre for refugees and migrants, along with 60 other women.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was sad and crying in my room,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI wanted my privacy, but I was sharing with three girls. You had to be careful who you spoke to. I felt like I was alone and hiding my identify because I was afraid people would attack me. But, after a few months, I started to speak with my case worker and open up about why I was there.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2223293_20190421_4Q7A1062_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/RF2223293_20190421_4Q7A1062_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|” background_color_2=”#ffffff” padding_top_2=”70px” padding_right_2=”70px” padding_bottom_2=”70px” padding_left_2=”70px” padding_2_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 13″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

In an effort to reach out, Amani began cooking for her fellow refugees and eventually started a catering service, which still operates today.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a small project,\u201d she says. \u201cNow it\u2019s huge \u2013\u00a0we cook at many centres. I like it because you can speak with the people, you can exchange knowledge and cuisine and music. It\u2019s an exchange of cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hopes her latest venture, a group offering support and advice to female gay asylum-seekers in Italy, will make life easier for those who flee hardship at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like my mission,\u201d says Amani. \u201cBecause I couldn\u2019t find anyone to help me when I arrived here. Maybe now we can do something.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 13″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

In an effort to reach out, Amani began cooking for her fellow refugees and eventually started a social enterprise, which still operates today.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a small project,\u201d she says. \u201cNow it\u2019s huge \u2013\u00a0we cook at many centres. I like it because you can speak with the people, you can exchange knowledge and cuisine and music. It\u2019s an exchange of cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hopes her latest venture, a group offering support and advice to female gay asylum-seekers in Italy, will make life easier for those who flee hardship at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like my mission,\u201d says Amani. \u201cBecause I couldn\u2019t find anyone to help me when I arrived here. Maybe now we can do something.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/8-RF2223308_20190421_4Q7A1274_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|75px|” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” module_class=”ds-advent-25-section containedbkg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/8-RF2223308_20190421_4Q7A1274_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|50px|50px|50px” background_color_1=”#ffffff” padding_top_1=”70px” padding_right_1=”70px” padding_bottom_1=”70px” padding_left_1=”70px” padding_1_phone=”40px|40px|40px|40px” padding_1_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 14″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI saw her and I fell in love immediately. I couldn\u2019t believe those beautiful eyes were real.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Amani and her partner Maria, who lives in Switzerland, met at a meeting for charity volunteers last year. Maria has found a kindred spirit in Amani, having been forced to flee political persecution in Chile with her family when she was four.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw her and I fell in love immediately,\u201d recalls Maria, with a smile. \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe those beautiful eyes were real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are so different,\u201d adds Amani. \u201cBut we have many things in common. She says I show her things that she never thought existed, she says I make her open her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin=”39px|||”]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”MOBILE ONLY” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#f4f4f4″][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 14″ src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2019\/05\/8-RF2223308_20190421_4Q7A1274_FEDERICOSCOPPA.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” background_color_2=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” padding_top_2=”40px” padding_right_2=”75px” padding_bottom_2=”75px” padding_left_2=”75px” padding_1_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|0px|20px|50px” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|0px|50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” module_class=”caption” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ text_font_size=”12px” module_alignment=”right”]<\/p>\n

\u00a9 UNHCR\/Federico Scoppa<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text 14″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI saw her and I fell in love immediately. I couldn\u2019t believe those beautiful eyes were real.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Amani and her partner Maria, who lives in Switzerland, met at a meeting for charity volunteers last year. Maria has found a kindred spirit in Amani, having been forced to flee political persecution in Chile with her family when she was four.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw her and I fell in love immediately,\u201d recalls Maria, with a smile. \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe those beautiful eyes were real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are so different,\u201d adds Amani. \u201cBut we have many things in common. She says I show her things that she never thought existed, she says I make her open her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.89″ background_color=”#f4f4f4″ custom_padding=”50px|0px|0px|0px” prev_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Footer copy Text” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

At a time when over 68.5 million people have fled their homes, love has never been more important, breaking down barriers and building communities. Love has the power to bring people together, even when the world around them is being torn apart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNHCR works to protect LGBTI refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide. But challenges persist and many people risk remaining invisible. We need your help.<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/donate.unhcr.org\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”DONATE NOW” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”]<\/p>\n

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*Names have been changed for protection<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet the LGBTI refugees finding love beyond borders.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3271"}],"version-history":[{"count":60,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3271\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3467,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3271\/revisions\/3467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/spotlight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}