“I still can’t believe it. We can walk down the street, touch each other’s hands, and not fear being murdered. Home, for us, is wherever we can be accepted. And for the first time, we are,” Joe said.
Growing up in Yemen, Asher and Joe were surrounded by a society that enforced toxic masculinity and rejected anything outside of it. As two non-binary queer individuals, there was no room to simply exist — let alone love openly. The violence came early and often: threats, harassment, sexual assault, and the heavy weight of being told you don’t belong.
Despite the danger, Asher and Joe managed to create moments of beauty. “We did our best to find light in the darkness,” Asher shared. “Yet, that darkness was always there — bullying, violence, displacement. I miss the purity and sharpness of my mind as a child — before it was overshadowed by fear.”
It was this relentless threat that led the couple to reach out to Rainbow Railroad. After years of enduring persecution, the chance of resettlement came like a lifeline. “We had just been released from immigration detention — hopeless, tired, and scared. Then we saw a missed email from Rainbow Railroad. If that hadn’t happened, I would never have believed it,” Joe shared.
Now, the pair has resettled in Toronto, a city where, for the first time, they can hold hands in public without fear.
“I still can’t believe it. We can walk down the street, touch each other’s hands, and not fear being murdered. Home, for us, is wherever we can be accepted. And for the first time, we are,” Joe said.
The Power of Solidarity
Resettlement hasn’t been easy. Trauma doesn’t vanish with a plane ticket, and adapting to a new life takes time. “Honestly, I think we’ve lost a big part of who we are,” Asher reflects. “But we are slowly healing and adapting to this new society — a place that feels like a dream, yet deep down, we know it’s real and that we are finally safe.”
Through that healing process, the role of community has been transformative. “Solidarity can be life-changing. Just having someone who believes in you — that is the essence of humanity.”
Joe is quick to remind us that being a refugee is not just about fleeing a country. “It’s about leaving behind everything you’ve ever known, often with no choice. It’s not just a journey across borders; it’s a journey of survival, grief, and rebuilding. We carry so much grief, but also dreams, resilience, and a deep desire to belong.”
They say what newcomers need most isn’t pity — it’s understanding. “Being a refugee is part of our story, but it’s not our whole identity. What we want is the chance to thrive.”
Pride as Resistance, Joy as Healing
To Joe and Asher, Pride represents a powerful duality: celebration and protest. "It is both a celebration of identity and a reflection on the challenges and struggles we have faced — and continue to face,” remarked Joe. “Pride means that we have the right to be. It’s a call to action — a reminder to courageously oppose injustice. Even small acts of resistance can make a difference."
This year, the duo celebrated with intention: attended events, supported queer artists, and spent time with the chosen family that has supported them along the way.
When asked what makes them hopeful, Asher replies simply: “Feeling accepted and protected.”
A Message for Others
To those still facing persecution, their message is clear and heartfelt: “You are not the problem. You are not different. You are not a shame. You are not alone. Protect yourself by accepting who you truly are. We see you. We’ve been in your situation — maybe worse, maybe better — but after everything, we are safe now. And it’s all going to fade away.”
Looking back, they describe Rainbow Railroad’s impact as immeasurable. “It gave us a second chance at life. It means that LGBTQI+ people around the world have hope. It means they have a chance to live. We’re so thankful for the people at Rainbow Railroad who worked so hard to bring us here.”
You can help create safety and hope for LGBTQI+ refugees like Asher and Joe. Donate today and be part of a global movement of solidarity, resistance, and liberation.