I am an Iraqi LGBTQ+ refugee living alone in Lebanon.

I never imagined that surviving would become my full-time job.

I did not leave Iraq because I wanted a better life. I fled because I wanted to stay alive. After years of persecution, violence, and death threats because I am gay, my own family attacked me and tried to kill me. I had no choice but to escape. I left behind my home, my business, my belongings, my friends, and everything I had worked for, carrying almost nothing except the hope that I could survive.

Today, I am registered with UNHCR in Lebanon, but I still have no real protection, no stable income, and no safe future. I cannot legally work, which means I have no way to support myself or earn money to survive. 

Every time I leave my room, I am afraid. I live in constant fear that the police may stop me and ask for residency documents. I do not have legal residency, and I fear being detained or deported back to Iraq, where my life would be in serious danger because I am gay. Because of this fear, I rarely leave home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Now I am facing another battle.

I am sick and live with constant pain every day. A specialist doctor asked me to undergo medical tests and begin treatment, but I cannot afford either. Every morning I wake up not knowing how long I can continue like this. I do not even know what is causing my pain because I cannot pay for the tests my doctor requested.

I also struggle to buy food and pay rent. Some days I do not know how I will eat or where I will find the money to survive another day. I am not living—I am simply trying to stay alive.

I asked for help everywhere I could. I contacted UNHCR, Caritas, MSF, Proud Lebanon, NRC, the Red Cross, and many other organizations. I shared my medical documents, explained my situation, and pleaded for help, but I was unable to receive the medical assistance I desperately need.

It is very difficult for me to ask strangers for help. I have always wanted to stand on my own and build my own future. Today, I have no other choice.

Your support will help me buy food, pay rent, receive the medical tests and treatment my doctor recommended, purchase essential medication, and survive while I continue searching for safety and a chance to rebuild my life.

Every donation, no matter how small, gives me another day of hope. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my story. Your kindness could help save my life. I am not able to have an account in Lebanon and rely on cash. My friend, John, who is in the UK wires me remittances. He will withdraw funds from this campaign and will ensure I receive 100% of donations and cover any transaction fees

Thank you for reading my story and for giving me hope when I have almost nothing left. ❤️