URGENT: Help a Queer Couple Escape To Safety

Hello, my name is Phoebe, I have created this Go Fund me to try and help my friends flee to safety, they just want to be able to live a life where they do not feel like their lives are in danger, anything you can do to help would be amazing. Here’s a bit about them as people.

Max’s Story:

Hello, I’m Max, a 23-year-old queer individual from Libya. In January 2023, I was outed on social media, which led to numerous death threats. To protect myself, I fled to Turkey and pursued my studies there. During this time, my parents subjected me to financial abuse, insisting I “turn straight” and remain a Muslim. In February 2024, they disowned me, leaving me unable to pay my tuition fees, which resulted in my deportation from Turkey.Returning to Libya was not an option due to the dangers I faced from militias attempting to capture me. I sought refuge in Tunisia to apply for asylum through the UNHCR; however, their offices have been closed since my arrival. In August, I tested positive for HIV and began treatment. Unfortunately, due to the inadequacies of public hospitals (as I cannot afford private care), I have been unable to obtain a resupply of my medication.

Maher’s Story:

Hi, I’m Maher, a 29-year-old queer non-binary person from Tunisia.In my hometown of Gabes, I was outed, which made life dangerous for me. I relocated to Sfax, another city in Tunisia, and started studying in a university. While there, I became involved in activism, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, human rights, and equality through university clubs and the student union. However, my activism drew severe harassment from extremist Muslim groups, both inside and outside the university. Eventually, I was expelled due to my efforts to fight for justice and equality.Fearing for my life, I fled to Tunis (the capital) on my own. Despite my determination, my gender identity made it extremely difficult to secure employment or afford rent. This led to periods of homelessness, during which I was forced to sleep on the streets.Throughout my life, when people discovered my queer identity, they exploited me instead of supporting me. Some uploaded private pictures of me without my consent, and one group of so-called “friends” even stole all the furniture from my apartment, which led to my eviction—all because of my sexuality and gender identity.Since October, the police have unjustly targeted and arrested queer individuals. Several of my friends have already been detained, and given my history of activism, I fear I may be next.Our Journey Together:We met in July 2024 and have been together since. We hoped to survive together in Tunisia, but daily life has been fraught with verbal and physical harassment. We have come to the painful realization that we must escape to safety as soon as possible.Our Request:We are seeking funds to cover visa and travel expenses. Upon arrival in Turkey, we plan to apply for asylum. Your support will help us secure a future where we can live authentically and safely.

Thank you for your compassion and assistance