Help a Transgender Refugee from Iran Settle in Canada

A Transgender Iranian Refugee Stuck in Turkey, Needs Your Help

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the couple

Mo, a young Iranian transgender refugee, has been waiting in Turkey for resettlement to a new country for nearly 5 years.

Mo’s life in Iran was extremely difficult as he was constantly assaulted and discriminated against by different individuals, including his own family, because of his gender identity. Mo and his partner had no choice but to flee their home country of Iran after threats against his life were made.

While being a refugee in Turkey is difficult enough, Mo’s trans identity makes things far more difficult as he cannot access the proper medical services and hormone therapy he needs in Turkey. As one of millions of refugees in the country and with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments on the rise throughout the country, Turkey is an unsustainable substitute for the violence, intolerance and hate he fled in his previous home.

With the help of Rainbow Refugee, our sponsorship group, "Circle of Eshgh” (Eshgh means Love in farsi) is raising funds to bring Mo and his partner to Canada as soon as possible.

Founded in 2000, Rainbow Refugee is a Vancouver based community group that supports people seeking refugee protection in Canada because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression (SOGIE) or HIV status. In partnership with Canada's Federal Government, Rainbow Refugee helps facilitate sponsorships for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers worldwide.

Mo and his partner are both energetic, educated, open-minded people who are interested in the arts, activism, and social justice issues. With your help, Circle of Eshgh will not only oversee his smooth arrival to Canada, but we'll also invest in his long-term success here. "Sponsorship" is much more than just monetary; it also means providing ongoing social support, including opportunities for guidance, community and friendship building, and other forms of essential aid. Mo and his partner have already faced immeasurable uncertainty and risk: we want to help Mo’s transition to Vancouver, so that he truly feels at home as he rebuilds his life once again.

We'll need to hit our target of at least $40,000 to ensure Mo and his partner will have the support they need throughout this resettlement. This will help support the couple throughout the one-year legal application process. Once here, the remaining funds will aid in securing accommodation, and providing them with clothing, food, transportation, and other forms of necessary assistance.

Please help us bring this couple safely to Canada. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. If you can't donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your network. Thank you in advance for your support!