Clicking Here will take you to Google, remember to hide your tracks
February 23, 2021
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Mexico

Despite innumerable barriers, Allan, a transgender survivor and former Tahirih client, has continued to press forward to access the justice he deserves.

Allan grew up in northern Mexico, where he met the man who would later become his husband. Although Allan did not love him, he felt pressured to get married. Over time, his husband became violent and physically endangered Allan and their children.

Knowing that it was unsafe for him to stay in Mexico, Allan fled to the U.S. with his children. Although he came in search of refuge, Allan encountered more abuse through a new domestic partner. His partner became controlling and forced Allan to have sex with strangers. That was Allan’s breaking point.

Allan fled to a domestic violence shelter, where he filed for a protective order and began therapy. As he neared the end of the program, Allan moved to a new shelter where he was able to apply for a T visa, a visa for survivors of human trafficking. He also was able to correct his name and gender markers on identifying legal documents — finally reflecting and affirming his identity.

When his T visa was about to expire, Allan got connected to Tahirih to apply for his green card, which he received earlier this year. With the help of Tahirih advocates, he has been able to renew his health insurance, seek emergency cash assistance, and maintain a steady income.  

Allan now wants to focus on supporting other survivors seeking safety. Reflecting on his journey, Allan notes:

“Looking back, I see that I had the strength and resolve the whole time. Because of trauma, we tell ourselves we can’t do it. But in reality, we have overcome so much, and we will continue to overcome. I’m going to continue pressing forward to reach my dreams.”

On this day, and every day, we thank you for your continued support, ensuring Tahirih can walk alongside immigrant survivors like Allan, who are seeking safety from gender-based violence. The journey to justice is long, and we are grateful that you are on this journey with us.

Names may have been changed to protect client privacy and safety. Photo may not depict actual client.

Do Something!

Spread the word and give generously to help others like Allan find the safety and peace they deserve.

MORE SURVIVOR VOICES


  • Anastasia
    "Today, I feel blessed. My son is safe, I have a good job and we have a community to count on. My life experiences have shown me that after the storm there’s calm."
    June 23rd, 2023
  • Camila
    “I hope my story is helpful to someone else…and can inspire many women to be stronger. We need to help young women identify toxic relationships, so that there are fewer Camilas that go through such difficult things, let alone have our children suffer.”
    November 21st, 2022
  • Brenda
    "Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to reconstruct a life in which my daughters and I are safe."
    November 14th, 2022