Meet Our Clients
Patrick from Nigeria
Can you please introduce yourself and give a brief information on your life in Nigeria?
My name is Patrick and I’m a gay man from Nigeria, born and raised there. I’m a visual artist and was working as a visual artist in Nigeria.
When and why did you leave Nigeria to come to the U.S.?
I left Nigeria on March 1, 2018 because I was faced with persistent threat to my life after coming out as a gay man.
What is life like for LGBT people in Nigeria? How dangerous? Legal issues?
There is always a constant state of paranoia amidst LGBT people in Nigeria. At the slightest outing, your life would very much be at risk. LGBT people are burnt to death with tires around their necks. There is a 14 years jail sentence for any gay person or anyone affiliated with a gay person.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I heard about Okan Sengun from a friend. Okan handled his asylum case too.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
The Asylum process in itself was easy, but as an 18 year old man who has no means of earning, and no family here, it has been a difficult, long and lonely process.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
It is very important. The provision of safety for people fleeing for their lives because of who they are, and it being something they can change will help a whole lot of people.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan, the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Colin Gallagher, Brooke Westling and Kenan Arun. The experience was smoother than I expected and the support was amazing.
Colin and Brooke have been very helpful to me. They helped me understand the process and prepared me for the interview. They interview was a breeze after that.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
I was granted asylum on the 24th of July. It took 2 weeks to get the final approval.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I didn’t realize how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders. All that stress and pressure have been lifted from my shoulders now. I feel safer and clearheaded.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Nigeria?
I am now ready to find a job and start my life over in safety. I'm less paranoid and everything is so much better, and that gives me leverage to be more productive. My mental health is so much better too.
My name is Patrick and I’m a gay man from Nigeria, born and raised there. I’m a visual artist and was working as a visual artist in Nigeria.
When and why did you leave Nigeria to come to the U.S.?
I left Nigeria on March 1, 2018 because I was faced with persistent threat to my life after coming out as a gay man.
What is life like for LGBT people in Nigeria? How dangerous? Legal issues?
There is always a constant state of paranoia amidst LGBT people in Nigeria. At the slightest outing, your life would very much be at risk. LGBT people are burnt to death with tires around their necks. There is a 14 years jail sentence for any gay person or anyone affiliated with a gay person.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I heard about Okan Sengun from a friend. Okan handled his asylum case too.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
The Asylum process in itself was easy, but as an 18 year old man who has no means of earning, and no family here, it has been a difficult, long and lonely process.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
It is very important. The provision of safety for people fleeing for their lives because of who they are, and it being something they can change will help a whole lot of people.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan, the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Colin Gallagher, Brooke Westling and Kenan Arun. The experience was smoother than I expected and the support was amazing.
Colin and Brooke have been very helpful to me. They helped me understand the process and prepared me for the interview. They interview was a breeze after that.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
I was granted asylum on the 24th of July. It took 2 weeks to get the final approval.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I didn’t realize how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders. All that stress and pressure have been lifted from my shoulders now. I feel safer and clearheaded.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Nigeria?
I am now ready to find a job and start my life over in safety. I'm less paranoid and everything is so much better, and that gives me leverage to be more productive. My mental health is so much better too.
Nemo from Serbia
Can you please introduce yourself and give a brief information on your life in Serbia?
My name is Nemo and I’m a gay man from Serbia. I had different jobs in Serbia. I had my internship at a museum as a curator, then worked as a receptionist in a nursing home. As my last job, I was a visual merchandiser at H&M. I now work as a receptionist at a hair salon in San Francisco.
When and why did you leave Serbia to come to the U.S.?
I left on March 23th, 2017. I was scared for my safety - I was physically attacked several times.
What is life like for LGBT people in Serbia? How dangerous? Legal issues?
It is very difficult and unsafe. You do not have any protection, as a gay person, from the law- neither from the police nor the government.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I heard about them from a friend.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
At first, I had some difficulty to find an organization that could help me, but after I met Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project, everything was fast and easy.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
I’d say it’s very important, because staff and volunteers of the LGBT Asylum Project are very professional, and they also provide tremendous help and support for asylum seekers.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan and the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Brooke Westling, Okan Sengun and Kenan Arun. As I said, everybody was super professional, efficient and friendly. I trusted them, and I was comfortable working with them. The interview took place in a pleasant atmosphere (as much that can be, considering the fact that I was talking about very hurtful things and having hard feelings from my past). The asylum officer was very professional yet friendly. I also had the full support from the staff attorney of LGBT Asylum Project - Brooke Westling.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
On Jun 26th, 2018 – a little less than three months after LGBT Asylum Project helped me to file my case.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I feel very relaxed and there is no more fear of being deported to a country where I was harmed.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Serbia?
Now, my life is filled with optimism and I am very grateful to have an opportunity for a new life where I can safely express myself in all aspects - especially my gay identity. I now feel safe going out to streets, any time of the day, and I don’t have nightmares anymore.
My name is Nemo and I’m a gay man from Serbia. I had different jobs in Serbia. I had my internship at a museum as a curator, then worked as a receptionist in a nursing home. As my last job, I was a visual merchandiser at H&M. I now work as a receptionist at a hair salon in San Francisco.
When and why did you leave Serbia to come to the U.S.?
I left on March 23th, 2017. I was scared for my safety - I was physically attacked several times.
What is life like for LGBT people in Serbia? How dangerous? Legal issues?
It is very difficult and unsafe. You do not have any protection, as a gay person, from the law- neither from the police nor the government.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I heard about them from a friend.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
At first, I had some difficulty to find an organization that could help me, but after I met Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project, everything was fast and easy.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
I’d say it’s very important, because staff and volunteers of the LGBT Asylum Project are very professional, and they also provide tremendous help and support for asylum seekers.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan and the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Brooke Westling, Okan Sengun and Kenan Arun. As I said, everybody was super professional, efficient and friendly. I trusted them, and I was comfortable working with them. The interview took place in a pleasant atmosphere (as much that can be, considering the fact that I was talking about very hurtful things and having hard feelings from my past). The asylum officer was very professional yet friendly. I also had the full support from the staff attorney of LGBT Asylum Project - Brooke Westling.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
On Jun 26th, 2018 – a little less than three months after LGBT Asylum Project helped me to file my case.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I feel very relaxed and there is no more fear of being deported to a country where I was harmed.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Serbia?
Now, my life is filled with optimism and I am very grateful to have an opportunity for a new life where I can safely express myself in all aspects - especially my gay identity. I now feel safe going out to streets, any time of the day, and I don’t have nightmares anymore.
Sim from Nigeria
Can you please introduce yourself and give a brief information on your life in Nigeria?
My name is Sim and I’m a gay man. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I am currently volunteering for Alameda Public Health Department in the Office of HIV Prevention and Care. When I was in Nigeria, I was a physician working on a project again on HIV care and prevention.
When and why did you leave Nigeria to come to the U.S.?
I left Nigeria on Dec 20, 2017 and I arrived in the USA the following day. I left Nigeria because I’m a gay man and I was abducted, beaten and molested. This nightmare continued with blackmails and death threats with photos dropped off at my office and my home.
What is life like for LGBT people in Nigeria? How dangerous? Legal issues?
It’s a nightmare to be gay in Nigeria and I’m telling you this because I lived through this nightmare. If somebody like me ends up being the prey of homophobia and doesn’t get protection by any law, anybody can live through that. My life in Nigeria was above average, I had a good life with good job, home and cars. I lived a very comfortable life, financially. Yet, they found me, hunted me down and beaten me, and I couldn’t go to the police. It’s very dangerous to be gay in Nigeria. You have no legal protection as an LGBT, same sex relations are illegal.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I spoke with a friend who lives in the Bay Area and after hearing my story, he told me he knew of an LGBT lawyer in the Bay Area and said he would contact him. He then sent me his email and it was Okan. When I emailed Okan, he immediately responded giving me all the details of asylum process.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
I can say I was fortunate because my asylum process wasn’t difficult. Anybody who went through asylum can hardly believe how fast mine was granted. I got asylum under 2 months. I got here in December and it’s now March, and I’m already legal.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
The LGBT Asylum Project is the most important thing you can do for any LGBT person in the world. I broke down in front of the officer when he told me I’ve been approved. I feel like crying now too. This is the most important thing you can do for anybody coming to the USA seeking refuge for their lives and they offer free legal services. I was doing well in Nigeria but I lost my money, I was abducted, beaten and my money was stolen. There was no way I could have afforded a lawyer for my asylum in the United States. The importance of such offer cannot be emphasized. This is the first time I slept properly, my blood pressure was going on so high and I started sleeping well after getting my asylum approved.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan and the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Okan. I had a lot of email and text correspondence with him and he always responded immediately. I worry a lot and I stress a lot and I’m pretty sure Okan will never forget my face in the near future. I asked him a lot of questions and he was very calm and understanding. He allowed me to express myself. I trust the team of the LGBT Asylum Project, I never doubted what they were doing. For the asylum officer, I couldn’t read his body language, he asked me very direct questions and kept it professional.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
I was granted asylum on March 29, 2018. It took barely two months for me to be granted.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I feel so relieved and so happy, now I feel I can contribute to the USA. I can be human again and I can breathe. I’m not scared of anything anymore. I can be who I am, I can sleep properly, I don’t have high blood pressure anymore. I feel much relieved.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Nigeria?
I got my life back. I can live, I can work, I can get married, I can be a husband, a father, a doctor - I can be human again. I’m meeting men here and we hold hands in the street without the fear of getting attacked. In addition to being a gay man, I’m also a professional with good education and I can’t wait to contribute here professionally.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you to Okan Sengun and LGBT Asylum Project. I don’t know how I would end up without you. My friend in New York and I applied at the same time and I got granted. He couldn’t believe it.
My name is Sim and I’m a gay man. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I am currently volunteering for Alameda Public Health Department in the Office of HIV Prevention and Care. When I was in Nigeria, I was a physician working on a project again on HIV care and prevention.
When and why did you leave Nigeria to come to the U.S.?
I left Nigeria on Dec 20, 2017 and I arrived in the USA the following day. I left Nigeria because I’m a gay man and I was abducted, beaten and molested. This nightmare continued with blackmails and death threats with photos dropped off at my office and my home.
What is life like for LGBT people in Nigeria? How dangerous? Legal issues?
It’s a nightmare to be gay in Nigeria and I’m telling you this because I lived through this nightmare. If somebody like me ends up being the prey of homophobia and doesn’t get protection by any law, anybody can live through that. My life in Nigeria was above average, I had a good life with good job, home and cars. I lived a very comfortable life, financially. Yet, they found me, hunted me down and beaten me, and I couldn’t go to the police. It’s very dangerous to be gay in Nigeria. You have no legal protection as an LGBT, same sex relations are illegal.
How did you hear about Okan Sengun and the LGBT Asylum Project?
I spoke with a friend who lives in the Bay Area and after hearing my story, he told me he knew of an LGBT lawyer in the Bay Area and said he would contact him. He then sent me his email and it was Okan. When I emailed Okan, he immediately responded giving me all the details of asylum process.
How hard was it for you to go through the asylum process here in the U.S.?
I can say I was fortunate because my asylum process wasn’t difficult. Anybody who went through asylum can hardly believe how fast mine was granted. I got asylum under 2 months. I got here in December and it’s now March, and I’m already legal.
How important is the LGBT Asylum Project and their legal services for LGBT asylum seekers?
The LGBT Asylum Project is the most important thing you can do for any LGBT person in the world. I broke down in front of the officer when he told me I’ve been approved. I feel like crying now too. This is the most important thing you can do for anybody coming to the USA seeking refuge for their lives and they offer free legal services. I was doing well in Nigeria but I lost my money, I was abducted, beaten and my money was stolen. There was no way I could have afforded a lawyer for my asylum in the United States. The importance of such offer cannot be emphasized. This is the first time I slept properly, my blood pressure was going on so high and I started sleeping well after getting my asylum approved.
Who did you work with for your case and how was working with them? How was your experience during your asylum process? Did you trust Okan and the volunteers? How was your experience of the asylum interview?
I worked with Okan. I had a lot of email and text correspondence with him and he always responded immediately. I worry a lot and I stress a lot and I’m pretty sure Okan will never forget my face in the near future. I asked him a lot of questions and he was very calm and understanding. He allowed me to express myself. I trust the team of the LGBT Asylum Project, I never doubted what they were doing. For the asylum officer, I couldn’t read his body language, he asked me very direct questions and kept it professional.
When were you granted asylum? How long did it take to get the final approval?
I was granted asylum on March 29, 2018. It took barely two months for me to be granted.
How do you feel now to have been granted asylum?
I feel so relieved and so happy, now I feel I can contribute to the USA. I can be human again and I can breathe. I’m not scared of anything anymore. I can be who I am, I can sleep properly, I don’t have high blood pressure anymore. I feel much relieved.
What is your life like now here in the U.S.? How has your life improved over living in Nigeria?
I got my life back. I can live, I can work, I can get married, I can be a husband, a father, a doctor - I can be human again. I’m meeting men here and we hold hands in the street without the fear of getting attacked. In addition to being a gay man, I’m also a professional with good education and I can’t wait to contribute here professionally.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you to Okan Sengun and LGBT Asylum Project. I don’t know how I would end up without you. My friend in New York and I applied at the same time and I got granted. He couldn’t believe it.