A NEW documentary spotlighting what it is like for LGBT+ refugees to be forced to flee their homes because of who they love and how they’ve been welcomed in Scotland can be watched on The National for the first time.
The short seven-minute film, Exiled for Existing, features more than 40 LGBT+ refugees and asylum-seekers who found safety in Glasgow as they tell their own personal experiences of what it was like fleeing for their lives just because of who they are.
The powerful short film was created over three months by first-time filmmakers from LGBT Unity Glasgow.
Exiled for Existing is packed with first-hand testimonies from LGBT+ refugees who explore themes including what their sexuality means to them, why they had to flee to Scotland, and how they often faced an “inhumane” asylum process by the UK Home Office.
The film premiered as part of this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Wednesday where it was met with rapturous applause from the audience.
Now The National’s readers are able to watch the film below.
Oluwatosin Omotoyinbo, one of the filmmakers, told The National that he wanted to create the film to provide a voice to people who are often lost within the system or are isolated in their home countries, fearful of what may happen to them, because of who they are.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Azaino who also helped create Exiled for Existing said that he helped make the film to help others who are in similar positions like him to feel “confident” in who they are, and that there are communities across Scotland who will welcome them with open arms.
For those interested in learning more, we spoke to some of the filmmakers here and you can also attend a free screening on Friday at Byres Hub, Glasgow, information here.
