I was born in Afghanistan but grew up in the Netherlands. I identify as a homosexual man, and as a Muslim.
My family learned about my sexuality in 2014 and was not accepting of it at all. I had to flee my hometown of Almelo, to save my life. I moved to a shelter (safe house) in Utrecht after escaping my family. I was traumatised for many years, but slowly I managed to build up my life. I also got in touch with some LGBTQI+ groups to socialize.
In 2021 my mother passed away. In the end, before she passed on, she accepted me for who I am.
This is the only life we have. Live it the way you want and make yourself strong enough to overcome all these hurdles. That would be my advice to other LGBTQI+ people who have the same struggles and experiences as I had.
The people portrayed as invisible in the IN/VISIBLE photo-exhibit are regular participants of Wereldcafé. Wereldcafé is a monthly activity organized by COC Amsterdam en omstreken, where bicultural LGBTIQ+ persons can meet in a closed setting to find a social network and discuss topics relevant to their personal empowerment. If you come from a bicultural background and are LGBTIQ+ or questioning, and want to be in contact with likeminded people, you can contact us at: wereldcafe@cocamsterdam.nl. We look forward to meeting you.