Safe Here follows the stories of three courageous individuals: Joel, a gay man forced to flee his home country after organising Nigeria’s first ever Pride parade ; Hiba, a trans woman from Pakistan; and Mafuz a gay man from Bangladesh, whose identity is protected for his safety. The documentary reveals the vulnerabilities and systemic failures faced by LGBTQI+ people in detention centres and asylum accommodation.
Joel’s story is particularly heart-wrenching as he continues to seek justice for the traumatic treatment he endured in a detention centre. Hiba shares her experiences of transphobic abuse, exacerbated by the instability of being moved through 12 different accommodations over 2 years. Mafuz’s struggle highlights the deep-seated mistrust in the system, as his asylum claim was rejected despite him coming out and leaving his marriage. He continues to await a response to his appeal.
The documentary underscores the critical need for greater safety, stability, and fair treatment for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum. It highlights the work of charities such as Micro Rainbow and Rainbow Migration. These organisations play a pivotal role in supporting LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum and refugees by providing safe housing, legal assistance, mental health support, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The documentary was directed by Mathilde Hourticq, produced by Harriet Tolson and presented by Dan Egg, City Unversity of London journalism students.