Volunteers Week: meet Rose
My name is Rose
I am a lesbian asylum seeker from Namibia. I came to Glasgow in 2022 to find safety, freedom, and protection. I volunteer with LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s Refugee Project in Glasgow.
In addition to being an asylum seeker, I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work. I am also studying Social Care Level 6 at Glasgow Clyde Cardonald Campus.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your role and your journey to becoming a volunteer?
I joined the Refugee Project in November 2022. In July 2023, I officially became a volunteer because it felt like the right time. I volunteer alongside Stella and Thierry. My role includes attending events and raising awareness about the group’s work, particularly its support for asylum seekers and refugees. I also help new asylum seekers find the group and connect with Stella or Thierry. Additionally, I assist in identifying LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in the community.
What are you most proud of in your volunteer role and what do you hope to achieve in it?
I feel proud to make a difference in the lives of people like me—those who fled their countries seeking safety and protection because of their sexuality.
My goal is to positively impact the lives of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees. I also want to help build acceptance and equality. Most of all, I hope to create a sense of togetherness between LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and Scottish LGBTQIA+ communities.
Volunteering for LGBT Health has taught me so much. Working with people from diverse backgrounds is a rewarding experience. It also prepares me for my future goal of becoming a registered social worker.
If you could change one thing for the LGBTQ+ community tomorrow, what would it be?
It’s hard to know where to begin! One major change I’d make is to improve the asylum process. Many of us fled oppression and injustice. All we want is to feel safe, protected, and accepted.
Another change I’d like to see is the attitude toward LGBTQIA+ people in Namibia. I wish I could change the homophobic mindset of my people. I hope they can see us for who we are and accept our right to love freely.
Do you have a role model or something that inspires you?
As a child of African heritage there is no such thing as a ‘role model’. But I have 1000+ role models now – my fellow asylum seekers! Those who chose to give up everything and left home to fight a good fight; every person that went and is still going through the system. As asylum seekers we do not know how brave we are until someone says, ‘oh that was a brave thing to do.’ So, to all my asylum seekers/refugees – stay strong and stand your ground because YOU ARE MY ROLE MODEL.