For most of David’s life, home was not a safe place. David now calls Tasmania home and can live his life free from violence and persecution.
The Pacific island nation David comes from criminalises homosexual acts. As a gay man, he experienced rejection and physical violence from people who should have protected him – family members, relatives, and members of his community.
David came to Australia as a seasonal worker – picking fruit in regional Tasmania. After a chance encounter, David learnt that he may have a genuine claim for asylum based on his sexual identity and the significant violence he experienced in his home country.
Armed with a heart full of hope and fistfuls of bravery, David sought assistance to understand his legal options and consider just what this would mean for his future.
TRLS provided full representation to David and helped him with applications, preparing evidence, reports and legal submissions, and represented him in his interview with the Department of Home Affairs.
To David’s delight, his asylum claim was processed in just one month and was granted a protection visa enabling him to reside in Australia permanently. David can now live openly as a gay man, connect with the queer community and support networks and services, and plan a brighter life here in Australia.
When David first came to Tasmania, he had no idea that he would one day call our island his new island home.
*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.