Since childhood, I never felt like I belonged to my culture, my religion, my family, my school, or my neighborhood. Always seen as an outsider, I carried the weight of being gay in a society that couldn’t accept me. Determined to escape, my heart was set on Europe, a place where I could start anew.
My journey began in Jordan, where I lived for three months, grappling with the limited options my passport allowed for fleeing. Turkey emerged as the gateway to Europe, and for a year and a half, I planned my escape. The risks were daunting, and the possibility of drowning at sea loomed, but I clung to hope, focusing solely on my goal.
Life in Turkey was a struggle; toxic and abusive relationships, theft of my hard-earned money, nights spent on couches or the cold floor – all tested my resolve. Yet, it was a small price to pay for the dream of safety and freedom. Through sheer determination, I managed to secure a prestigious job that opened the path to a German visa, and I landed in Berlin, my newfound home.
Berlin embraced me as I am – a place where I could be myself, respected, and accepted. I formed my own chosen family, a support system that brought comfort and belonging. The hardships of my journey faded into insignificance, replaced by the warmth of acceptance.
Eight years since I left my home, I stand stronger than ever. Each passing year grants me confidence in my sexuality and myself. My past struggles pale in comparison to the joy of being in a place where I am truly myself – unapologetically queer and forever free.As I reflect on my odyssey, I wouldn’t change a thing. The tears and bloodshed, the fears and uncertainties – they were all worth it. For now, I stand tall, a testament to the courage and resilience that reside within the human spirit.
