From Persecution To Pride – Ghanaian Man Granted Asylum In US After Harrowing Journey And Violent Attack
In a world where love and sexuality can be a crime, the path to freedom is often fraught with unimaginable danger. In Ghana, being who you are can land you in prison for up to three years.
It’s a reality that forced Mr B to flee his homeland in search of safety.
Mr B’s story, which he bravely shared with The Advocate, is a powerful reminder of the lengths we sometimes have to go to just to survive.
“Growing up, I always knew I was different,” Mr B confided.
“But in Ghana, being gay is not just frowned upon – it’s illegal. I had to keep my true self hidden from everyone, even my family.”
In 2019, despite his best efforts to keep his sexuality a secret, Mr B was violently attacked by a gang. “I thought I was going to die,” he recalled. “That’s when I knew I had to leave or I would never be safe,” he added.
And so began a harrowing journey across more than ten countries, each step filled with danger. Mr B faced robbery, extortion, and even the threat of wild animals as he made his way through the notorious Darién Gap, a treacherous stretch of land between Colombia and Panama.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Mr B’s story is that, even as he was fleeing persecution, he had to continue hiding his true self. “He also had to hide his sexuality in Mexico,” explained Claire Thomas, lead professor of the Asylum Clinic at New York Law School.
“No one could know because he, as a black man, as a Muslim man – all of those are very problematic for folks in migration. And as a gay person, that’s even more problematic.”
When Mr B finally reached the US border in May 2020, he thought his nightmare was over. But the covid-19 pandemic had closed the border to asylum seekers, and he was detained for months in horrific conditions, without even a fresh mask to protect him from the virus.
It was only through the tireless efforts of the New York Law School’s Asylum Clinic and other non-profits that Mr B was freed on bond and able to make his way to New York.
And even then, his battle was far from over. It took three-and-a-half more years of legal struggles before he was finally granted asylum earlier this year.
As Ghana considers further criminalising LGBTQIA+ identity, Mr B’s message to the world is clear: “What I really want the world to know is that [queer Ghanaians] have no life, they have no voice,” he said, his tone turning serious. “They live and survive by a miracle, meaning that if you, as a queer person, make even the littlest mistake, you will be gone.”
But it’s also a testament to the incredible resilience and courage of our LGBTQIA+ family around the world. Mr B’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of our community.
It’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. We must continue to fight for those who can’t yet live openly, to provide safe havens and support for those fleeing persecution.
