As a young man in Syria, Baseel knew better than to talk openly about his sexuality.
“LGBTQ is not safe, no,” said the 24-year-old who goes by one name.
Baseel arrived as a refugee in Canada in December from Latakia, a port city on the Mediterranean Sea, and he’s still learning one of the two official languages of his new country.
But the meaning of his words rings clear.
“I think all Middle East, LGBT is not safe but especially in country like Syria. It’s privacy, (you) conceal it,” he said in an interview after a citizenship ceremony at Halifax Central Library on Wednesday.
“My family don’t know anything and only my friends know about LGBT.”
One of the themes of the ceremony was to mark Pride Month and to emphasize the importance of welcoming LGBTQ people to our country.
Baseel was sponsored by the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia, which co-organized the citizenship ceremony for 51 new citizens from over 20 countries.
“We raise money to sponsor refugees so when we have enough money, we would contact the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia,” said association official Lawrence Roche, who accompanied Baseel at the ceremony.
“They would let us know of any refugee profiles that are available (who) would be people from the LGBTQ community. From there we would select one (and) put in an application.”
Homosexuality is still illegal in many countries, the presiding citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney told the crowd who packed Paul O’Regan Hall in remarks before she swore in the new Canadians.
While progress is still to be made in Canada on LGBTQ issues, in some places “there’s the real threat of discrimination, torture and even death,” the judge said.
“Fifty years ago this year, Canada decided that who you love should not be a crime and this is one of the reasons that many people choose to make Canada their home and, frankly, it’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be a Canadian.”
Jennifer Powley, president of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia, and Åsa Kachan, chief librarian and CEO of Halifax Public Libraries, also delivered remarks at the ceremony along with Baseel.
As a new arrival, he’s categorized as a permanent resident. About 18 months from now, he can apply for full citizenship.
After the United Nations refugee office tapped Canada as his new home, Baseel turned to Google and YouTube to learn about the country.
“I don’t know anything before about Canada.”
Soon after arriving, his sponsors and a new circle of friends helped find him work as a hair stylist.
He hopes to set up his own business one day.
For now, he’s savouring life in a country where he feels accepted and welcomed.
“I can be myself. So much better and safe, you can talk about what you feel inside.”
