Peter Casamento+

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FREEDOM IS MINE

UNMASKING A MARGINALISED COMMUNITY

Freedom is Mine is a series of portraits of people who belong to a growing and dynamic community group called Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers. The group is supported by THREE for All Foundation’s Queer Development Agency Many Coloured Sky.

Their shared stories highlight the challenges they face in their journey to freedom and the chance to be themselves, as a marginalised group of LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum in Australia. Presented here are a handful of images from Freedom is Mine, a traveling exhibition that featured at the Midsumma Festival.

“When I was living on the street, a woman used to bring me clothes and food. I told her she didn’t have to help me, but she said she wanted to. I felt like she was my mother. I wanted to be honest with her and tell her I have a gay heart. But one day she warned me against LGBT people – ‘they are sick’ she said. It broke my heart because I trusted her and wanted to share my truth with her, but she wouldn’t accept me. I’m tired of people judging me wherever I go. I’m tired. It’s exhausting. I want to live free. I want to fly free.” Nepal

“I love playing sports and keeping fit. People know me as the athlete, the boxer or the fun person but they never get to know the real me. I learned I have to wear a mask all my life to hide my true self just to play sports or for people to accept me. I can now rip off this mask and show them that an athlete shouldn’t wear a mask because I am not a criminal.” Nigeria

“I am a fighter. I will fight for my identity. I will fight for my rights. I will fight for my freedom. You cannot take it away from me. I am a fighter.” Uganda

“The pearl of Africa is my country. The bird on the flag is called the crested crane. It stands on one leg and is meant to represent grace and gentility. But the people do not practice grace and gentility – LGBT are mistreated, persecuted and killed because of their gender identity and sexual orientation. The president has ruled for over 34 years and uses the LGBT community as a scapegoat to maintain power. When will there be peace for my people?” Uganda

“For an LGBT person, life is like a boat on the ocean. Waves will try to knock you down and push you back to where you started. But if you fight through them, the entire ocean is yours.” Malaysia

“My life is like that of a butterfly. I have been like a caterpillar – inside a body that is temporary and not true to what is inside. Right now I am developing and growing, still hidden in some ways by the chrysalis, but gaining courage and confidence. I am strong. Despite adversity, I will continue to flourish. I will be true to myself. I will spread my wings like a glorious butterfly with the confidence and freedom to be me.” Malaysia

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