LGBTI Asylum Seeker Flees Morocco’s Persecution for New Life in Spain

Beyond the criminal nature of homosexuality in Morocco, as it is considered a misdemeanor, trans and homosexuals are not accepted by their family, their entourage and in Moroccan society in general. Since childhood, they are marginalized and victims of discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation. This is the case of Nour, 21, who now lives in Navarre after obtaining asylum. "We exist. We are like this. But they don’t accept us," she confided to Diario de Navarra, Nour who works at the office of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Assistance (CEAR) in Pamplona.

"I received blows and insults every day, at school, in the street... And in Morocco, no one protects you. The police would even arrest me if I called them... My parents didn’t accept me, but I think they were trying to protect me. They asked me not to go out in the street made up so as not to suffer attacks," she details. Then "the insults and attacks became very common. I had normalized the pain."

Nour recounts having discovered her difference at the age of 14. "At 15, I wore my sister’s skirt and made up to go to school. My parents tied me to a chair, cut my hair and my brother injected me with testosterone. When I was 16, they enrolled me in a gym because they wanted me to masculinize myself in every possible way... At 16, I had the beard and mustache of a 40-year-old man," describes the young man. And to continue: "Morocco is a hell for the LGBTI community".

Now, Nour is enjoying life. "Amaia, the CEAR psychologist’s work has been essential. Since my arrival, she has been my companion in my healing process. We went out together to discover the atmosphere in Pamplona. Thanks to her, I have gained the confidence I needed," assures the young man who has started to study piano and guitar, play tennis, and is passionate about cooking and reading. According to the latest annual report of the Moroccan public prosecutor’s office, convictions for hatred against the LGBTI community increased by 25% in 2022 compared to the previous year.