The Aman Project: An open door for LGBTI+ refugees in Turkey
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R.A., 19, is a refugee from Syria. They were only 13 years old when they had to leave their country because of the war. They have been working at a restaurant for a while now.
As an LGBTI+ refugee, the biggest challenge they have faced was finding a home to live in. They are aware that even LGBTI+s from Turkey have trouble finding a home and being a refugee is an additional challenge.
R.A. has experienced many times the hate crimes committed against LGBTI+s. They were verbally abused and physically attacked because of their dressing style, appearance and behavior while walking on the street. R.A said and added that the discrimination they suffered has increased especially in the last two years.
"I consider my life in Turkey as 'trying to survive.' I'm subjected to bullying and violence everywhere I go. I can't go to the hospital when I'm sick, I can't go to the police station when I'm attacked. I always feel in danger," said R.A.
In working life, being a Syrian refugee is in itself a reason for discrimination, says R.A. "When they learned that I'm from Syria, they began to pay only half of the salary and make me work overtime. Most of the time, I remain silent because of the risk of losing my shelter and job but I haven't lost hope yet. I love Turkey and İstanbul. I have made a lot of good friends here. I believe the days that we can live together will come."
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The Aman Project
The Aman Project, which started as the Aman Shelter in 2017, provides shelter, education and other opportunities to more than 100 homeless LGBTI+ refugees. It also provides direct assistance to LGBTI+ refugees in vital issues such as rent payment, food and medicine supply.
The group consists of 40 to 50 volunteers and works on social media to create awareness about LGBTI+s, says A.J. Volunteers also help LGBTI+ refugees in their asylum applications to other countries.
"We have encountered emergencies many times. Refugee LGBTI+s are not accepted by society in Turkey. People being kicked out of home when their gender identities are found out by their friends and families is a situation we have encountered many times.
The Aman Project can be contacted on Instagram. (ME/SO/VK)