i am

I met these outstanding LGBTQ+ women in 2021.

They are staying in the UK, for now.

NAOMI & PATRICIA

“I'm a freelance writer specialising in environmental-oriented articles, having obtained a degree in environmental conservation and natural resource management from the university of Nairobi in Kenya. I've always been interested in environmental conservation efforts. I hope to make a career out of managing waste and combating pollution (water, soil, air). I also want to participate in efforts to protect animals from trophy hunting and displacement from their natural habitat. I am a refugee. ”

Patricia, 24

“I’m Naomi. My dream is to be a counselling psychologist because I want to help the next generation going through difficult situations in life and enable them to become better people. I also want to be an ambassador for Say It Loud Club and help LGBTQ+ people find hope and support. I am a refugee. ”

Naomi

My goal in Kenya was to become an environmental scientist specialising in waste management and environmental conservation. Now I would like to achieve this dream in the UK. I plan to study here in the UK to better my chances of getting a good job. Having the guidance of the kind of schools and scholarships to go for as an asylum seeker would make it easier to realise this dream. If I can get a good job I will be able to support myself fully and therefore help more people as well as making a difference in environmental issues. I hope that mine and my partner's experiences will inspire LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. I aspire to help put systems in place that will make it easier for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees to have their rights heard.

Patricia

What are your hopes for your future alongside being allowed to work? 

My hopes for my future are to live a free life and also be of help to those who have faced a similar situation. What makes me happy is helping others. My biggest hope is that my children have security and a better tomorrow. I am happy to have this photoshoot and believe it’s part of being who I am. Thank you

OMOZE

“I’m Omoze. I’m a single mother of four children. I was a real estate agent back home in my country. In the UK, I would like to be in either real estate or in the health sector. My second choice of working in the health sector is based on my serving humanity. I am on a mentoring program organised by Routes in partnership with Say it Loud Club to achieve my work goals.”

Omoze, 34

Why the UK?

“I came to the Uk because I had a valid visa and it was my only choice at the time. I arrived in the Uk on the 18th Dec 2020. I received counselling and support from the Say it loud club charity and they have been very helpful to me and my children. 

I am beginning to feel more safe here in London and I can choose to be myself without the fear of being chastised, scared for my safety or condemned by society. 

I think the UK should be open to refugees and asylum seekers because everyone has got a story behind them.  I believe charities and community interest companies can provide practical support to refugees through community sponsorship.