Transcript
As spoken by Nata

This transcript is drawn from an audio recording. It has been lightly edited for clarity and readability while preserving the participant’s original voice and meaning.

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 So my queer identity has changed a lot since I moved to Australia because back then, when I was living in Indonesia, where I'm from, I had to conceal my identity, as a gay Muslim, and it was not easy at all.

 

And therefore, I decided to move along with my life. I left my life behind, to pursue my dreams, to be myself as well. Now, 11 years later, I've made the best decision of my life.

 

Coming to Australia as a refugee is not an easy journey. Being in immigration detention for two years, waiting for my protection visa I was experiencing a lot of, like, obstacles and hard time, especially being queer in an immigration detention. And I really, hope that the government in the future could do something better to protect queer refugees.

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North Sydney area is a real home for me. Like, it's not just about the beauty of the places, not just about the restaurants or anything else, but it's also part of my journey to become an Australian citizen, to be loved by somebody who really loves me, and to be myself as well.