Back Mujja's Journey To Safety In Canada
Donation protected
Hi,
If you're here, you're likely someone who's been part of my journey – a friend or family, a connection I cherish. You might know my story, or this might be your first glimpse into it. Either way, welcome.
I'm doing something different today - opening up and sharing my story with you. It's not a decision I've taken lightly. I've worked tirelessly and put my nose to the grindstone to support myself and my community, especially my wonderful queer refugee family, who rely on me. This has made it incredibly hard to save money or focus on myself. However, I've come to realize that for my own safety and well-being, this is a step I need to take.
Back in 2020, life took an unexpected turn. I was about to finish medical school in my home country Sudan, excited about becoming a doctor. But my LGBTQI+ activism stirred up trouble, and I had to leave everything behind to save myself.
Turkey became my new home, and I kept doing what I believed in – standing up for the rights of queer refugees. I wasn't about to be silent in the face of injustice. With other activists, I joined protests, campaigns, and spoke up for equality.
Then came the Istanbul Pride Parade. I stood there with fellow activists, raising our voices. Little did I know that this would lead to my arrest. The Turkish police detained me and my refugee status was taken away, and the threat of deportation hung over me for a long time as I’m waiting for my court decision to come out. Suddenly, the place I thought was safe turned hostile, especially for a black, nonbinary person like me.
This year, I've been physically attacked multiple times for just being myself. It's been tough, and honestly, I've hit lows. But I'm not giving up.
I've started this private sponsorship campaign to find a new start, a chance in Canada. It's about safety, freedom, and reclaiming who I am. After feeling let down by the usual channels, I'm turning to you, my family, for help.
With your generous support, I will find the means to secure a safe haven where I can resume my studies and continue my journey to complete my medical degree. This is not just about fulfilling my personal dream; it's also an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to better serve my community.
Furthermore, your contributions will empower me to advance my expertise in LGBTQ+ activism. I am deeply committed to helping as many queer individuals as possible through the projects I am currently involved in, here are some:
- Founder of ALMEES; The first Queer dedicated NGO that it's primary goal has been to advocate for and create safe spaces for transgender, gender minorities and LGBTIQA++ communities in South Sudan, Sudan and beyond by providing a safe space, facilitating access to support, building capacity, and cultivating knowledge development through a variety of volunteer and educational projects. And to combat all other forms of discrimination based on gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, such as sexism, and all forms of LGBTIQA++phobia. (ALMEES WEBSITE)
- Founder of The Queer Refugee Project; borne out of my own journey as a queer refugee for over three years. This initiative aims to empower and uplift queer individuals who have fled their home countries and are currently residing in third-party nations while awaiting resettlement in LGBTQI+ rights-recognized regions such as Europe and America.
- Volunteer at Shrouk El-Attar Trust; Was founded to support the international LGBT+ Middle Eastern and North African communities. Many LGBT+ Arabs face a particular challenge, simply existing can often lead to imprisonment, and it is still common to be met with violence. SEAT provides content and direct aid in these communities. To date, we have been able to support safer housing, funding small businesses, and funds for gender-affirming surgery. (SEAT WEBSITE)
- Volunteer at Aman Project; The Aman Project started with the support of Safe Place International in 2017. For two years, the Aman Project opened a shelter which provided a home, a community, and training to help more than 200 homeless LGBTQ+ individuals from across the Middle East. And while the shelter closed in 2019, the project has continued to support the LGBTQ+ community through direct emergency assistance for rent, food and medicine to vulnerable individuals. We also provide assistance in applying for asylum in third countries. (AMAN WEBSITE)
- Volunteer at Fittaish; Arabic speaking podcast that empower Arabic-speaking LGBT community members, by providing a safe space for them to freely express their experiences, feelings, and ideas, as well as engaging them in discussions and reflections on their sexual and gender identities. (Fittash WEBSITE)
- Volunteer at LGBT Arabic; One of the first queer platforms that create educational, advocacy, and journalism content in Arabic language. (LGBT ARABIC PAGE)
- Host & Director of Fugitive Fragments; a documentary film that boldly challenges the prevailing narrative around queer refugees from the Middle East and Africa in Turkey. The film is an exploration of their daily lives, shining a bright light on the intricate tapestry of their identities, which includes aspects of race, gender, religion, politics, and their refugee status. Against this rich backdrop, the film delves into their profound use of art and storytelling as a form of protest, with the aim of countering the narrow focus of Western media on a select few exceptionally talented queer individuals who have achieved recognition and citizenship in Western countries.
Your funding will play a vital role in enhancing my capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Your support isn't just an investment in me; it's an investment in the betterment of our community and a future free from fear and discrimination.
Every bit counts, whether it's big or small. What matters is the support, the unity, and the hope we can bring together. This campaign is private because of the risks I face, and I'm grateful you're part of it.
Thank you for reading my story. Your presence here, your support, means the world. Let's stand together, face the challenges, and make a future where we can all be ourselves without fear.
With gratitude,
Mujja.
Message from the organizer:
I have known Mujja since we first met as freshmen in med school in 2014, and ever since, we have been close friends. I accompanied them on their journey, up until they had to make the brave decision to leave and seek their safety, I wholeheartedly supported them throughout that difficult time, understanding the necessity of that move despite the challenges it posed.
Today, I see them experiencing similar challenges in a place that was meant to be safe and conducive to reaching their aspirations. This is why I'm reaching out to you for your support.
Mujja is an exceptionally talented and hardworking individual who deserves to be in an enabling environment where they can continue their education and express themselve without the threats they currently faces.
Your contribution can make a world of difference for Mujja, helping them access the safety and the opportunities they deserves. Let's come together to support their journey and create a safer, better, and brighter future.
Organizer
Ruaa Osman
Organizer
England