Doreen Ndebele arrived in South Africa in 2018 from Zimbabwe after being compelled to leave because of the persecution she has faced as a result of her sexual orientation. Doreen has been living in South Africa on a visitor’s visa which requires her to often travel back to Zimbabwe in order to have it renewed. This poses safety risks for her.

Doreen elected not to apply for asylum because of the well documented abuse and discrimination people with asylum claims based on their sexual orientation and gender identity often suffer at different refugee reception offices (RROs). Doreen’s fear of RROs is further exacerbated by the experiences of her friend who have previously attempted to apply for asylum. Doreen hopes for the asylum system that is understanding of sexual and gender minority’s rights.

“I am afraid of attending the refugee reception offices to apply for asylum because of what other people who have went through this process have told me.”