[This page is managed by Connor, a close friend of Jake]

We have set up this crowdfunding page to raise enough money for Jake to have legal representation in his case to seek asylum in the UK.

Jake’s experience:

Growing up in Guyana, where being gay carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison (up to life imprisonment), was extremely difficult for Jake. From a young age, he saw regular reports of gay men being harassed, beaten up, or murdered as a result of their sexuality. To make matters worse, Jake’s parents’ views are very unforgiving; they believe gay people are disgusting, evil individuals that must be converted back to heterosexuality. In fear of what might happen to him, Jake repressed his sexuality throughout the entirety of adolescence, which in turn destroyed his sense of identity, self-esteem, and mental health.

In order to attain a better life for himself, Jake applied for university courses in the UK on a student visa, enrolling at the start of this year. Since arriving to the UK, Jake has felt safe from persecution, discrimination and violence for the first time in his life, and had noticed a steady improvement in his mental health.

Finally feeling better in himself, Jake wanted to share that he was doing well with a trusted friend back home. He explained that he had been learning to accept himself and his sexuality. This friend, who had previously not known about Jake’s sexuality, was disgusted, and subsequently forced Jake to tell his parents that he is gay (threatening that they would tell them if he didn’t). Terrified about how his family would react, but with no choice, Jake told his family about his sexuality.

Since then, his family have launched a vicious and unrelenting onslaught of abuse; telling Jake that his way of life is vile and that he should never visit his own parents’ grave after they die (amongst other obscenities). Jake’s parents had been contributing to his international university fees, and following this, have threatened to withdraw his funding. If they follow through on their threat, Jake will be left without any means to pay for his education, thus invalidating his student visa, and forcing him to return to Guyana where he is at risk of persecution, conversion therapy and/or life imprisonment.

The betrayal of his close friend, alongside unrelenting abuse from family members, has driven him to the edge. Since these events, Jake has been feeling extremely depressed, having self-harmed, lost all hope, and narrowly avoided a suicide attempt. To Jake, it feels as though everyone has given up on him.

Now, Jake’s only chance of attaining a better life, where he is free from persecution and mental health difficulties, is to seek asylum in the UK. If his case is successful, Jake will be able to stay in the UK and not be deported to Guyana. He will also be able to apply for a student loan of his own accord and continue his education. But here's the harsh reality: the odds are stacked against Jake. Statistics show that over a third of asylum applications based on sexuality get rejected every year in the UK. However, individuals that can afford to have legal representation to support their application are significantly more successful. Without this support, it is likely that Jake will be forced to return to Guyana where he's at risk of persecution, imprisonment, or even suicide.

So why do we need your help? Jake needs legal representation to secure a chance at a normal, safe, and happy life, but the cost is beyond his reach. That's why we're trying to raise £4630 to cover the cost of a lawyer (£4500 plus a 2.9% JustGiving withdrawal fee; any leftover funds will be donated to help others in Jake's situation). We are really grateful for any donations at all - each donation has the power to transform, and save, Jake’s life. Please, share this page on your social media and with your friends. Let's rally together and show Jake that he's not alone, that there are people out there who care and want to help. Your support means everything to us.

Thank you so much for reading this! Lots of love,

Jake and Connor

(Please note that we have used an alternative name to ensure Jake's safety in case he is forced to return to Guyana)