Why we come to work every day...
May 17, 2012Hope is defined as "the feeling that events will turn out for the best." At Ayuda, we are very familiar with this concept.
Gabriel (not real name) is one of those people that came to Ayuda in search of hope. After suffering a lifetime of discrimination and abuse based on his sexual orientation, Gabriel left his native Guatemala in search of safety and the opportunity to achieve his dreams in the U.S. However, his dreams turned into nightmares. The family members he sought support and guidance from promptly turned their backs on Gabriel. They kicked him out of his house and forced him to live in the streets for one simple reason: he was gay. Eventually, after much struggle, Gabriel got back on his feet and found a support network with local organizations that serve the LGBT community. Through these channels, Gabriel learned that, because of his sexual orientation and history of suffered abuse, he could qualify for permanent asylum in the U.S. Fearing deportation to a country where he faced further abuse, Gabriel began seeking legal representation that would help his life turn out for the best.
