There are several countries in this world where apostasy is still punishable by death. Its a touchy subject that people in certain communities don’t really talk about openly. I come from one of these countries and a very strict one. I’ve lost my home and my family since coming out as agnostic. I am nothing more than a traitor in their eyes. But I do not feel like I have lost my life. I pretended long enough to make it here safely and I feel hopeful for my future.
I just want to thank this country and the people in it for their love and support.
Thank you for letting me have a proper education. The freedom to move around without the permission of my father. For letting me be in a place where I don’t have to live with constant anxiety, shame and fear. And eventually the option to choose who I want to love instead of it being chosen for me.
I love you Canada. —Ex M
This article appears in Oct 20-26, 2016.
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