Trigger warning: this text is about sexual and gender-based violence.
“My Existence Here is not Forbidden”
Asal feels free and supported since she lives in the Netherlands. Her story highlights the challenges of adjusting to a new country, particularly as a young LGBTQIA+ person, and how cultural mediator Mahsa from the SAMEN project helped her navigate this transition.
Asal's story
Asal was 18 years old when she fled from Iran to the Netherlands. She was unable to be herself in her country of origin and no longer felt safe. In the Netherlands, she has found a sense of safety again: “Having freedom feels good, because I can be with my girlfriend anywhere and anytime,” Asal says. “I don't have to hide from anyone. My existence is not forbidden.”
Things are going well for Asal now, which was not always a given. The experiences she carried from Iran and the shelters where she temporarily lived had a significant impact on her. She needed support to process trauma, strengthen her mental health, and find her place in Dutch society.
Cultural Mediator Mahsa
She found support through Mahsa, a cultural mediator in the SAMEN project. Cultural mediators act as a bridge between newcomers and Dutch services, providing culturally sensitive and tailored assistance to those who need it.
The two met through the SAMEN project, and Asal immediately felt safe with Mahsa, mostly due to her attentiveness and empathy: “Her attitude and her attention to every word you say made me feel safe,” she explains. This sense of trust enabled Asal to open up about personal issues with Mahsa, including the challenges she faces as an LGBTQIA+ person.
Newcomers generally face various challenges after having arrived in a new country. For instance, Asal reflects on her initial experiences in the Dutch school system. “In the beginning, I felt like a stranger. I was alone and most of the students were younger than me,” she recalls. “Arriving in a new country and not understanding the language is really hard. You think that people are talking about you all the time.”
Mahsa’s guidance was crucial for Asal, particularly in handling judgments from others. “Mahsa taught me not to be afraid of people's judgments, which have no real impact on your life,” Asal says. “If they are nice to you, you stay in touch; if not, you move on.”
Mahsa’s support went beyond emotional counselling. She also supported Asal with practical matters, such as school projects. “Just three days ago, she helped me with my school project. We worked on it together for about three hours,” Asal shares. Mahsa also assisted Asal in navigating the complexities of the new education system and dealing with cultural differences at school.
Looking to the Future
Asal is focused on building a bright future in the Netherlands. She is committed to improving her Dutch, pursuing a university education, and building a life with her girlfriend.
Asal is contemplating the next step in her education. “Maybe something about women's rights and feminism. I'm still exploring the possibilities,” she says. Her own experiences have motivated her to support others facing similar challenges. “I want to better myself, help people like me and make a difference,” she explains. “I want to liberate them from their struggles.”
She encourages others to be resilient and seek help when needed. “Here in the Netherlands, you have the freedom to be yourself. There are many people willing to help you, so seek and ask for support. Communicate with others and help yourself to create a better future,” she advises.
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or DG JUST. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
