This documentary shows the struggle of four asylum seekers who, exposed to persecution, discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation, have fled their country to live in safety and express themselves freely. With Aslam (Bangladeshi), Oscar (Indian), Vlad (Russian) and Courage (Nigerian), whom I met at the LGBTQIA+ Centre in Paris (3rd arrondissement), I explored isolation, resilience and the search for a new life.
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in 70 countries, and in 11 countries the death penalty is applied. On 23 May 2022, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) announced that the number of people affected by human rights violations had exceeded 100 million for the first time on record. 1 in every 78 people on earth has been forced to flee.
The LGBTQIA+ Center in Paris supports asylum seekers in their process by organizing workshops on integration, health and sexuality, preparation for the asylum interview, cultural activities and, above all, is a place where people can express themselves freely regardless of their sexual orientation.
“Freedom means a lot to me because my family (the LGTBQIA+ community) fought for it. I am very thankful for all the men and women who fought for my freedom. Being free lets me choose my own future. I can be anything I dream of. Since I am free, I can do things other women around the world cannot. I can work, I can get an education, I am allowed to drive on my own. Being a free French refugee means I can marry who I want. There is equality because we are free. Being free is a beautiful thing.”
- Courage
Freedom Seekers
Courage, 28, from Nigeria, arrived in Paris in January 2021. She ended up on the streets in Nigeria because she was abandoned by her family, who told her she has a “bad spirit” (because she is a lesbian). Courage left Nigeria in 2015 and arrived in Italy, where she was forced to work. Fontenay-sous-Bois, 11 March 2023.
Courage in her room, which is very small. She lives in a large flat where asylum seekers, refugees and pensioners live. Courage keeps striving for her freedom. Fontenay-sous-Bois, 11 March, 2023.
Courage goes every week to French class from Monday to Thursday. She is very eager to learn French, even her asylum is rejected in her first attempt, she stays determined. Saint-Denis, 12 April 2023.
Courage preparing to go to a march during the Pride month in Saint-Denis to fight for LGTBQIA+ rights. Fontenay-sous-Bois, 3 June 2023.
Courage is a very energetic and optimistic person. On the other hand, she is screaming inside, struggling with her trauma. She first arrived in Italy (2015) where she was forced to work. Fontenay-sous-Bois, 11 March, 2023.
Courage and Aslam in a gay bar in Paris. Proud to be able to pay for a beer. Proud to be herself and happy to be surrounded with a friend. Paris, 10 September 2023.
Aslam travelled overland from Bangladesh to Paris, it took him 6 years. His family and friends abandoned him because of his sexual orientation. Aslam is bisexual. Paris, 29 October 2022.
Aslam has no papers yet, which brings him in a situation that employers can take advantage of him. Aslam works 7 days a week in a restaurant, 10 to 12 hours a day. He does not get paid for all the hours he works. “If I don’t do what my boss tells me to do... others will take my place.” He is sharing this room with four other people from Bangladesh. Sarcelles, 15 February 2023.
Flat in Sarcelles, in Aslam’s neighborhood. Sarcelles, 4 February 2023.
Aslam is very resilient. He is able to support himself and practices French every day. He wants to be part of society. Aslam his dream is to have his own place in Paris and to start an organisation to help other asylum seekers and refugees to find a job. Sarcelles, 15 April 2023.
Aslam celebrating the Pride in Paris, free and relieved. Paris, 24 June 2023.
Aslam with friends in a gay bar in Paris. The first time to feel okay to be fully exposed on a photograph. No hiding anymore. Paris, 10 September 2023.
Oscar, 30 years old, from India. His family abandoned him because of his sexual orientation. Oscar was afraid to get killed by his own family. Oscar fled India in 2016, lived in Ukraine for 6 years and arrived in Paris in July 2022. The war between Russia and Ukraine made Oscar flee again. Paris, March 8, 2023.
Oscar lived the first two months on the streets. Currently, he lives with 4 other refugees in an apartment. He is serving an Indian dish for breakfast in his room. Paris, 8 April 2023.
Oscar always takes care of his appearance and present himself well styled. He worked as a fashion stylist in Ukrain. Paris, 8 April 2023.
Oscar is in constant conflict with his depression. He tried to commit suicide several times. Paris, 8 March 2023.
Oscar's 30th birthday party at the LGBTQIA+ Center where he spends most of his time. In Paris, Oscar feels free and safe, he can be openly gay. His biggest present: he received refugee status on this day. Paris, 22 February 2023.
Oscar's favorite place in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. As a child he had an obsession with the Eiffel Tower. He comes her regulary to write songs about his life. Paris, 26 July, 2023.
Vlad, 25 years old, from Russia. Immigration wanted him to go to Hungary, but he didn't, because it is also a homophobic country. "I decided to go back to Paris, so I can get married and have children". Paris, 18 November 2022.
Vlad, 25 years old, from Russia. Vlad arrived in Paris in April 2022 and was sent to a camp in the south of France (Besançon). He returned to Paris. This was his room in a squat. Pantin, 8 March 2023.
Vlad lived on the streets at first, moved around a lot from house to house for short periods and is currently living in a squat in this neighbourhood. Pantin, 23 March 2023.
Vlad lived on the streets at first, moved around a lot from house to house for short periods. This is a squat where Vlad stayed for a few months. Pantin, 23 March 2023.
Vlad prepares a tea in the kitchen of the squat. He is happy to be around other people, the question remains: how long can I stay here? Pantin, 8 March 2023.
