Dmitry was bullied and beaten because he is gay, and was later placed in a psychiatric hospital against his will. In July, he fled to Poland. He already has a work permit, but he cannot leave the refugee camp without help.
My name is Dmitry. I am 19 years old and I am from Brest. I currently live in a refugee camp in Poland. A few days ago, I finally received a humanitarian visa and a work permit. But to start my life, I need to leave the camp, rent accommodation, and find a job. I cannot manage without help at the beginning.
I am gay, and because of this, my life in Belarus turned into constant persecution. It all began back at school, when I openly supported LGBTQ+ people on social media. When my classmates and teachers found out about my sexual orientation, they started bullying and beating me. One month before graduation, I was expelled from college.
After that, I went to see a psychologist and told them about myself. Soon afterwards, I was transferred to a closed psychiatric hospital against my will. There, I was tied to a bed and forcibly injected with psychotropic drugs. When I was released, I started being summoned to the police for “friendly chats”: they beat me and demanded that I inform on other LGBTQ+ people. I realised that I would end up in prison or a psychiatric hospital if I did not start informing on people like me. On July 23, 2026, I left for Poland.
While waiting for my documents, I took temporary jobs as a car mechanic and in a warehouse, where shifts lasted up to 15 hours. It was hard, but I want to work and I am ready to learn. I am currently looking at vacancies in construction and security, and thinking about learning a new profession. I never thought I would have to depend on other people's help, but right now I really need it.
It is not easy for me to decide to tell my story publicly. But what matters most to me now is to start living independently: without fear, without beatings, without forced “treatment”, and without people who wish me dead. I will be grateful for any support.
Fundraising goal
€1500
€900 – assistance with rent for 3 months
€600 – food and basic everyday expenses