A True Friend, and a Chance to Begin Again
- Kyle Kvamme
- 44 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Franklin is a gay man from Honduras who fled his home after a series of devastating events. He survived abuse at home — beatings, mistreatment, and humiliation at the hands of his family, those who are meant to love you unconditionally. But the violence didn’t stop there. Franklin was later kidnapped, during which he suffered a severe injury to his arms.
The physical and emotional pain became unbearable. In 2019, Franklin fled to Mexico in search of safety and the chance to rebuild his life.
Franklin arrived in Mexico carrying deep physical and emotional trauma. The wounds on his arms reopen often, causing bleeding and requiring frequent care. Because he cannot do heavy physical labor, finding work has been extremely difficult.
“I’ve been turned away from several jobs,” Franklin shared. “I have also faced criticism from people — they judge me based on how I look, without knowing what I have been through. I have experienced discrimination, among many other difficulties.”
Since arriving in Mexico, Franklin has been living in a refugee shelter. It was there that an acquaintance told him about a gathering ORAM was hosting — a community event centered around a film created for LGBTIQ refugees in Mexico.
That small gathering changed Franklin’s life.
“ORAM has truly been a helping hand in my life. I am deeply grateful to René (ORAM’s Mexico Program Officer), who is always there for me in good times and bad, in every situation. Thanks to René, whom I met the day I went to see that film, I became involved and have continued participating in everything related to ORAM, in every way I can,” Franklin shared.
Franklin went on to play an essential role in the creation of ORAM’s guide for LGBTIQ refugees in Mexico City — the only contemporary resource of its kind for queer refugees navigating life in the city. Through ORAM’s short-term housing program, Franklin also received relief from shelter living, giving him space to recover and begin healing from both physical and emotional trauma.
“Thanks to ORAM, I have found a true friend — someone who stands by me no matter what. ORAM is one of the very few organizations that has never shut the door in my face, never looked at me badly, and never treated me with contempt,” Franklin said.
Today, Franklin is an entrepreneur, creating and selling handmade jewelry. “I dream of becoming independent and being able to support myself,” he shared.
Franklin also shared a message for ORAM supporters:
“I want to express my most sincere gratitude to all ORAM’s donors and supporters for your generosity and unconditional support. Your contributions are essential in helping LGBTIQ refugees in Mexico overcome the challenges they face.”
“ORAM is the only organization that truly supports us — that genuinely raises that flag. With even a small contribution, you can change lives,” he added.
Your generosity makes stories like Franklin’s possible — and ensures LGBTIQ refugees are not left to navigate displacement and healing alone.