Joyride Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 Hello guys, I need some advice and I would appreciate if this could be taken with the importance it should. A few weeks ago and out of shock I created a thread about South America being a dangerous place for LGBQI+ people after, once again, being followed in my city by what seemed to be a targeted attack, I reported to the police but did not get any further follow ups on this from their side. Yesterday, I found out that my ex classmates from my university were quite literally calling me all kinds of homophobic slurs and directing some of those hate messages to a "student" group chat where I used to participate, I left that chat months ago but one of my dear friends sadly came across the messages and she contacted me right away a lot of fear, because the messages included death wishes, along other alarming/disturbing messages. This is not the first time something like this has happened to me, as I have been victim of targeted homophobia in my city before. I am very traumatized by this entire situation and my first instinct has always been to escape. as I mentioned in my previous thread, I am terrified of going out. this has created a lot of mental distress and I do not know how to deal with these situations anymore. I've been desperately looking for jobs outside of South America, but even though in my mid it feels like a "good option", it is almost impossible to get visa sponsorships outside Latam, despite me having an Informatics Engineering and experience working in Human Resources and restarting my career after almost losing my life to an still ongoing illness. Have any of you been in a situation like this before, and is there any advice that could be useful to me to start over, preferably away from South America? I am terrified. I cannot go outside without fear of being ******* killed. this has become an absolute nightmare that I truly do not know how to get out of.
PMKARDASHIAN Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 I honestly have no advice for this because I’m from the US, all I’ve encountered is homophobia in the form of slurs and threats (as a child) but nothing in my adult life. Hopefully other members can offer advice and solace. Is there no way to leave your country, visa or otherwise? My own personal instincts are to fight back, physically if necessary, but I’m unfamiliar with the legalities of SA and homophobia. Granted I fear being shot, but if it’s a 1-on-1 fight or even if I’m jumped, I’m pretty confident in my ability to at least hold my own and do damage, but your issues seems to far outweigh a simple fist fight, and actually fear for your life. Feel free to PM at anytime. While some of us can’t physically help, we can be there for you in a difficult time ❤️❤️❤️
Into The Void Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 I wish I could help but I'm from the US as well so zi haven't really experienced that form of homophobia. Where in SA are you from? What options do you have?
Joyride Posted May 5, 2022 Author Posted May 5, 2022 2 minutes ago, Insanity said: I wish I could help but I'm from the US as well so zi haven't really experienced that form of homophobia. Where in SA are you from? What options do you have? I'm from Chile. there are "laws" that allegedly protect us from these kind of issues because of multiple targeted killings of LGBTQI+ people over the years, but clearly there are bigger issues, and my experience so far has showed me that this is not something that's a priority in anyone's mind at the moment. I feel so unprotected and vulnerable that sometimes it does not make sense to live life like this anymore.
TheArgonaut Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 I get you honey, I also live in Latin America and there have been many times where I have feared for my physical integrity, specially that one time a drunk man followed me all the street saying he would r4p3 me. I think the only solution is escaping but if the resources to do so aren't there then it's useless. I recommend you to go out with people that fully accept you and make you feel less isolated and get spray pepper with you + don't show fear, most of the times homophobic people get scared when they know the person they're targetting won't just take their bigotry. I feel you and I completely understand you, I wish I could help you.
Nightingale Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 Have you looked into asylum? Sounds like you could have a case for it
GentleEarthquake Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 i'm so sorry this is happening to you, i'm also from SA and share similar feelings even tho i'm not out to most people. It can really take over your mind, all the vulnerability and the hopelessness. I have not experienced targeted homophobia yet, but it's likely to happen in the coming years. I really hope things get better for you, for us and everyone going through similar situation.
byzantium Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 So I just want to start out by saying that I do not have experience with what you are going through. As a result, I might be of little help. That said, oftentimes what can be ultimately best is to find a community better for you that is more accepting. You said you are from Chile. What is Santiago like? Could Buenos Aires be better? I have been to São Paulo and it seemed pretty accepting (though I recognize there is a language difference and my experience may not be everyone’s experience). I just ask because it might be easier finding nearby spaces rather than leaving the continent.
Abracadabra Posted May 5, 2022 Posted May 5, 2022 I'm so sorry you are going through this, it sounds like an awful experience.. Sending you so much love I'm not really sure what to suggest, but are you aware if there are any LGBTQ helplines or support networks available that could help you where you are? Apologies if I sound ignorant as I'm not sure how likely that would be in your location. Are there any areas, perhaps in the larger cities, that are more LGBTQ friendly or have larger LGBTQ populations where you would feel safer? I hope you find some resolution to this very soon, don't lose hope
suneclipse121 Posted May 6, 2022 Posted May 6, 2022 (edited) Are you able to seek asylum? Maybe try to speak to an immigration lawyer and see if you fall under that clause. I would look into Canada. The US seems to be going backwards on social issues so I wouldn’t consider it unless you can go to a blue state like California, New York etc Depending on your age and your education/experience can help too. Here’s a link on the process of claiming asylum in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2017/03/claiming_asylum_incanadawhathappens.html Edited May 6, 2022 by suneclipse121
Littlejfrey Posted May 6, 2022 Posted May 6, 2022 2 hours ago, Joyride said: I'm from Chile. there are "laws" that allegedly protect us from these kind of issues because of multiple targeted killings of LGBTQI+ people over the years, but clearly there are bigger issues, and my experience so far has showed me that this is not something that's a priority in anyone's mind at the moment. I feel so unprotected and vulnerable that sometimes it does not make sense to live life like this anymore. But sis, why don't you contact an LGBTQ+ organization like Movilh or Iguales, or psychology centers that specialize in LGTBQ+ topics. I don't know the full context of your situation, and yes I know we have had hate crimes just like any other country, but it's not something common. I don't know from which part of Chile you are, but maybe you can try to move to a different city or a different area that's more LGTBQ+ friendly. There's many options, don't feel lost
Protocol Posted May 6, 2022 Posted May 6, 2022 Try immigrating to Canada! They have a very generous immigration policy for anyone with a professional career which it sounds like you have, and from your post your English level should be enough for the test.
katara Posted May 6, 2022 Posted May 6, 2022 I think you need to move and start fresh. Either to a LGBT friendly western country or to bigger city in Chile where gays have an easier time. You need to get out of your current city / environment.
Daddy Posted May 6, 2022 Posted May 6, 2022 A agree with the rest of the comments. Canada will get you out of there if you collect those signs of threats. It may sounds silly but there was a Drag Race episode with queer people from the Middle East for the makeover challenge. That's where I learned about Rainbow Railroad https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/request-help
Joyride Posted May 6, 2022 Author Posted May 6, 2022 5 hours ago, Daddy said: A agree with the rest of the comments. Canada will get you out of there if you collect those signs of threats. It may sounds silly but there was a Drag Race episode with queer people from the Middle East for the makeover challenge. That's where I learned about Rainbow Railroad https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/request-help I wanted to thank everyone for the guidance! I am in contact now with two organizations and still waiting to hear from another one.
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