Toronto author’s book sheds light on the struggles of queer and trans refugees

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:00:04 +0000

Jo DeLuzio. Photo by Jose Bezerra & The Glo Up Program

In recent years, Canada has seen a rise in hate crimes targeting queer and trans individuals, reflecting a global pattern of intolerance and danger for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Many are forced to flee their countries in search of safety, escaping violence and persecution. Toronto-based author Jo DeLuzio highlights these harrowing experiences in her compelling collection, Just Gone: True Stories of Persecution for Love and Life. Through personal stories, DeLuzio sheds light on the difficult and often dangerous journeys that queer and trans refugees endure.

DeLuzio’s inspiration for Just Gone came in 2014 at Toronto’s WorldPride festival, where she met a young man who had been relentlessly bullied and beaten simply because his walk was considered “too feminine.” When she suggested he seek asylum in Canada, he responded, “I have to go back and fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights in my country, even if it kills me.” This encounter opened her eyes to the severe threats faced by queer and trans individuals globally, motivating her to explore their stories in depth.

Personal stories of struggle

Throughout her research, DeLuzio encountered many individuals who were eager to share their stories, but also needed protection due to ongoing fears of reprisal. One of her earliest connections was with Ziad, a Syrian refugee she met at a queer film night in Toronto. “My wife and I were attending the event, and Ziad was there with a colleague of mine,” she recalls. “They introduced us, and we learned that he had come to Canada with his partner Mazn because of their sexual orientation. My wife, fluent in Arabic, connected with him right away. When she told him I was writing a book about queer refugees, Ziad expressed interest in having their story told.”

DeLuzio’s efforts to document these personal accounts continued with Eric and Roberto, a couple from Mexico who fled persecution due to their sexual orientation. “They were the last two I interviewed,” DeLuzio notes. “When they arrived in Toronto seeking asylum, they were housed in a homeless shelter. A friend of mine, volunteering at the shelter, learned about their situation and mentioned my book. They were eager to share their experiences.”

Through Just Gone, DeLuzio reveals the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Gay men and transgender women are often singled out for harsh punishment due to cultural taboos around gender norms, while lesbian relationships are frequently marginalized or ignored. “In male-dominated societies, romantic love between women is disregarded because it doesn’t involve a penis,” DeLuzio explains.

Call for action

The emotional toll of gathering these stories weighed heavily on DeLuzio. “I found myself so absorbed in their emotions that at times I couldn’t eat or sleep,” she admits. Despite the emotional strain, her commitment to amplifying these voices remained unwavering. “This book is just one step towards bringing attention to the global human rights crisis affecting queer and trans people,” she says.

Just Gone not only shares these personal stories but also offers readers a discussion guide and glossary of terms, encouraging dialogue and action. DeLuzio stresses the importance of engaging with these issues to promote awareness of 2SLGBTQ+ rights, even in countries considered safe. “Learning about the horrific treatment of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals around the world opens the door to conversations about rights everywhere.”

In Canada, queer and trans refugees often struggle to find community support, as they may fear rejection from their ethnic or cultural backgrounds. DeLuzio advocates for kindness and outreach, emphasizing how small acts—like offering a meal or job—can foster a sense of belonging for newcomers.

“2SLGBTQ+ rights are human rights,” DeLuzio concludes. “You don’t have to agree with someone’s identity to recognize that their rights deserve protection.”

The post Toronto author’s book sheds light on the struggles of queer and trans refugees first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
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