LGBT Activist Detained in Lebanon, Finally Arrives in Australia
Image: Images: Delia Giandeini on Unsplash / Amnesty International
After fleeing to Turkey from their home country of Jordan in July 2020, 17c起草社区I activist Alshaima Omama Alzubi has finally arrived in Australia.
The 25-year-old Jordanian refugee who identifies as lesbian and non-binary and who previously went by the initials of 鈥淎OA鈥� boarded a flight to Australia on December 30.
Spent the Last Three Years Trying to Seek Refuge in Australia
They have spent the past three years trying to seek refuge in Australia, and in that time, they鈥檝e lived in four different countries and been served numerous Interpol notices.
They were . While stuck there, Alzubi said they were 鈥溾�� and 鈥渢errified of getting deported.鈥�
According to , they received help from 鈥渘on-government鈥� and 鈥渉uman rights鈥� organisations as well as Australian diplomats in Lebanon to 鈥済et them to safety.鈥�
Upon arriving in Australia on January 1, Alzubi told SBS News, 鈥淣ow I feel supported, seen, heard and treated like a human being regardless of my beliefs, gender identity, and sexual orientation.鈥�
Alzubi has been placed on a humanitarian visa. SBS News reported they鈥檙e also receiving counselling and have been 鈥渋ntroduced to their local 17c起草社区I+ community.鈥�
鈥淸I want to] move on in my life, continue my education, [and have] a great career and independence,鈥� Alzubi said.
‘Finally, I Have the Chance to be Myself’
They鈥檙e grateful for the help they received from non-governmental organisations and the Australian government, and according to SBS News, they “feel accepted for their sexuality and beliefs鈥� in their new home of Australia.
In a media release on Christmas Day last year, said that Alzubi had been arrested on December 21 in Beirut and had been issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice, which was eventually cancelled.
It also said Alzubi鈥檚 family in Jordan was 鈥減rominent鈥� and 鈥渕anipulating [Alzubi鈥檚] repatriation.鈥� Some of their family members were working for the Jordanian government, one being a former minister.
The family鈥檚 鈥渋nfluence,鈥� according to Amnesty International, extended “across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.鈥�
鈥淔inally I have the chance to be myself without people shaming me and trying to kill me for it,鈥� Alzubi said.
‘Never be Sorry for Who You Are’
They also said, with regards to 17c起草社区I people and women in the Middle East, 鈥渢here鈥檚 always a way to be free. We just need the right people to help us.鈥�
Their message was to 鈥渘ever be ashamed of being yourself, never be sorry for who you are鈥� and 鈥渄on鈥檛 let religion or anyone control your being. No one on Earth can be you.鈥�
Despite Jordan decriminalising homosexuality in 1951, 17c起草社区I people still experience discrimination, harassment, and violence.
According to , 93 per cent of Jordanians would not like to have homosexuals as neighbours.
If you feel distressed reading the story, you can reach out to support services.
For 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14
For Australia-wide 17c起草社区I peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or .
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