Protection for an LGBTQ+ Asylum Seeker
Abhaya (*fictional name) is a young man who grew up in a Buddhist family. From a young age, he struggled with his mental health in an environment where emotional vulnerability and difference were largely silenced. Isolated and unsupported, Abhaya experienced deep depression, which ultimately led him to attempt suicide.
As a young man whose identity did not align with social and family expectations, Abhaya was particularly vulnerable. His sexual orientation placed him in constant conflict with deeply rooted cultural norms around masculinity, marriage, and family life, leaving him without protection or understanding in his immediate surroundings. Abhaya is homosexual, a fact that exposed him to serious harm. When his father learned of his sexual orientation, he attempted to “treat” it by forcing medical and psychological interventions, including consultations with a psychologist and testosterone testing. These actions caused severe emotional distress and reinforced the rejection Abhaya faced - even within his own family.
In addition, Abhaya faced serious risk from the state. The law in his country criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. Convictions can carry penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment and fines. These laws continue to be enforced, and LGBT individuals are regularly subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence. Protection was therefore not available to Abhaya. To avoid persecution, he would have been forced to deny his sexual orientation entirely, including by marrying a woman, or risk exposure to authorities and criminal prosecution. Given these circumstances, remaining in his country was neither safe nor sustainable.
Upon arrival in Greece, Abhaya encountered significant procedural and practical challenges. Asylum claims from Abhaya’s country are rarely successful in Greece. Abhaya needed to clearly demonstrate the specific risks he faced related to his sexual orientation and mental health.
ELIL provided essential support throughout Abhaya’s asylum process. We assisted him in transferring from Thessaloniki to Athens, enabling better access to legal representation and support services. ELIL conducted two interview-preparation sessions, helping Abhaya to present his experiences clearly and consistently during the asylum procedure.
Recognising the severe psychological impact of his past experiences, ELIL referred Abhaya to specialised psychological support to address his depression and trauma.
As a result of this comprehensive intervention, Abhaya was granted refugee status. He is now living safely together with his partner, Imesh (*fictional name), something that became possible upon arrival in Greece.
ELIL’s support also extended to Imesh, who later arrived in Greece and is currently in the asylum procedure. ELIL prepared Imesh for his asylum interviews through two dedicated preparation sessions and accompanied him to the interviews, ensuring continuity of support and safeguarding the couple’s right to family life.
*Name and identifying details have been changed for protection reasons.