Leaving, Waiting, Becoming
Leaving The decision to leave was not sudden—but it became unavoidable. Over time, the environment grew increasingly restrictive and unsafe. What once felt like home no longer offered protection. Leaving meant stepping into the unknown, carrying only what could be taken in a single moment. Waiting The journey did not end with departure. Instead, it […]
Between Uncertainty and Hope
Leaving Circumstances changed quickly. What once felt manageable became unpredictable. The decision to leave was made quietly, with careful planning and deep uncertainty. Waiting Waiting became the longest part of the journey. Time moved differently—slow, uncertain, and often overwhelming.Yet, even in that uncertainty, there were moments of connection and support that made it possible to […]
A New Beginning, Step by Step
Leaving Leaving meant letting go of familiarity, routine, and community. It was not just a physical journey—but an emotional one. Waiting The waiting period required strength. Without clear timelines, every day required trust in a process that could not always be seen. Support during this stage made a meaningful difference. Safety Reaching safety marked the […]
BENJAMIN’S STORY:
A Harrowing Journey to Freedom Benjamin is a queer, Christian human rights activist from Afghanistan. Even before theTaliban came to power in 2021, the LGBTQ+ and Christian communities facedpersecution and the daily threat of violence. “After the Taliban seized control in August 2021, staying in Afghanistan was no longeran option. I reached out to everyone […]
TIARA’S STORY:
Fleeing trans persecution Tiara is a trans woman and make-up artist who was forced to flee from the Taliban in2021, first to Iran where she faced more persecution, and then to Pakistan. With Hive’shelp, Tiara is now living safely in Canada and rebuilding her life. Someone informed on me to the Taliban, who came to […]
NOAH’S STORY:
Escaping in the dead of winter Eighteen-year old Noah was arrested, beaten and tortured by the Taliban for hisLGBTQ+ activism. After participating in a UK documentary, Gay Under The Taliban,Noah was forced to flee for his life. My escape was extremely difficult. My father arranged for a smuggler to take me to theAfghanistan/Pakistan border in […]
LIA’S STORY
Living Precariously in Pakistan Lia is an Afghan lesbian and human rights activist living with her sister in Pakistan,under constant threat of violence and deportation back to Afghanistan, where she wouldface certain death. In Afghanistan, she studied at a university and volunteered with twoorganizations supporting women’s rights, education and legal protection. “My work for women’s […]
