Urgent Help Needed: MK’s Fight for Freedom and Survival

Hi, my name is Mari, and I’m raising funds on behalf of my dear friend MK.

They are a 22-year-old non-binary queer person currently living in Istanbul, Turkey. As GoFundMe is unavailable in Turkey, I am helping them run this campaign from the UK.

Here is MK’s story, in their own words:

“Hello, my name is MK. I am a 22 year old non-binary queer individual currently living in Istanbul, Turkey. I’m originally from Iran, though I was born and raised in the Middle East. Growing up in the Gulf has been detrimental to my mental health due to its homophobic laws and environment, which did not allow me to truly be myself.

I’ve been studying in Turkey for years now, and I moved to Turkey mainly in search of freedom. Turkey however has become increasingly anti-LGBT. My situation in this country is getting worse day by day; I go through constant verbal abuse, and even get physically assaulted in public simply because of how I present. I now pray for my safety every time I leave the house.

I am raising this fund because I’m currently seeking asylum; I need to cover the costs which includes the visa application and plane tickets. I also plan on hopefully going on HRT. I can’t legally access transgender medical help here so I would have to rely on a third party supplier. The funds will entirely go towards me sustaining myself and ensuring I have the financial support I need for this stage of my life.

I am unable to ask my family for any help as I recently had to cut them off as they would not support who I am. I can’t find a job due to discrimination and my university not giving me the ability to work. Furthermore, I can’t go back to live in the Middle Eastern country I was born and raised in, because I would face severe mental health and safety issues surrounding my identity.

Any donation, big or small, will help me leave behind this unsustainable and threatening time, allowing me to finally live a healthy life, both mentally and physically free of the fear and harassment that I face from family and strangers. Even simply sharing this GoFundMe will mean a world of difference in helping me.

With love and gratitude,

MK.”

I will be providing updates on the fundraiser and proof of funds being transferred to MK, to ensure full transparency. Thank you for helping my friend take this important step toward safety and freedom.