A dream to help others: a queer refugee in Tijuana hopes to give back

Daniel Suarez Mechaca, a 26-year-old gay refugee who lived in Tijuana, Mexico, knows what it’s like to be alone. “I don’t have any help from my family because ten years ago they threw me out of the house,” Daniel said. He now lives at El Jardin de las Mariposas, an LGBTIQ shelter in Tijuana that ORAM partners with. “It has been a very difficult journey, by bus, from my state to here.”

Originally from Zitacuaro, Michoacan, he arrived in Tijuana after a harrowing journey. “I came here [Tijuana] in 2019 because in Zitacuaro I had been kidnapped and threatened with death,” Daniel shared. “This was because of my sexuality. I was kidnapped for five years.”

When he arrived in Tijuana, Daniel found El Jardin and became a resident. “I had not had the help of any organization until I found El Jardin,” Daniel shared with us. Instantly, he found a home and a new family. “This [El Jardin] is a place of harmony. It’s very safe. The director treats us very well. She defends us, feeds us, sustains us, gives us safety, peace, and love.”

Until recently Daniel worked at El Jardin, welcoming visitors and new residents to the shelter, helping them feel the harmony he experienced when he arrived. “I help with administration and with keeping the organization stable. When someone comes for a visit, I manage it and help make sure that they feel welcome, that they feel our hospitality.”

El Jardin has provided Daniel with more opportunities beyond his employment. Last month, he participated in a digital skills training facilitated by Microsoft. “For me, the training was very good,” Daniel shared. “I used the training to refresh my skills, and now I teach others how to use those programs to complete forms or find the information they need.”

Pictured: A facilitator answering questions during the digital skills training Daniel attended.

He expressed that access to technology and the ability to use it is crucial for LGBTIQ refugees living at El Jardin. “There are people here in El Jardin that need to use the computer to complete forms to look for work, because they do not receive any economic support, and need that to survive.”

Daniel, who is seeking asylum in the United States, found the training helpful for studying English. Inspired by his work helping new residents at El Jardin, Daniel wants to help other refugees when he gets to the U.S. “I want to work or volunteer for a social service organization that works with people living in the streets...I want to invest my time in helping other people.”

He hopes to become an activist for refugees someday. He shares a strong message to other LGBTIQ refugees around the world – you are not alone. “...keep working to fight for your dreams. Along the way, you’re going to find someone who will help you. Whatever situation you find yourself in, there is always someone willing to help.”

Daniel took a moment during our conversation with him to thank the ORAM community. “...you make so many people happy and help them achieve their dreams.”

Daniel has recently been resettled in the U.S., where he will live in Auburn, Washington.

Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your story with us! To help LGBTIQ refugees, like Daniel, achieve their dreams, please donate here.