Pride in Respect | Lived Experience Stories: Ali
In this episode, Ali* shares his lived experience growing up in a culture where the personal safety of members of the LGBTIQA+ community is constantly at risk, and how the joy he found moving to Australia and being able to be his true self, was undermined by an abusive partner. He reflects on how the perpetrator was able to exploit Ali’s cultural heritage to create a controlling environment centred around fear, shame, threats, and isolation.
His story is a lived reality that many LGBTIQA+ migrants face: the invisibility of intimate partner violence through the weaponisation of culture. This powerful story demonstrates the resiliance of victim-survivors who can be completely isolated with no family or support network to call upon, often layered with additional language, accommodation, employment and social barriers.
*name changed for safety
If this story resonates with you, please know support is available.
Support services:
- If you are in immediate danger, call 000
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
- Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – 1800 497 212
- In Western Australia, Pride in Respect Specialist FDV Support Service – 0481 080 201
The video was proudly created by Pineapple Fingers