Ratif’s Story (Teacher)
I am Ratif, a Rwandese gay man aged 26.
My early years
In Kigali – Rwanda, I grew up in a family where I was the only boy. My eight elder sisters used to date boys whom they introduced to me. In the long run, this seduced and intimidated me. So, I grew up with a desire to love boys, and I lost feelings for ladies.
I became a professional teacher
During my college years, I dated some guys and enjoyed them to the fullest. I graduated as a professional teacher, and Nyarufunzo High School recruited me as a student teacher. I was fortunate to interact with many handsome young men.
Outside of school, I started dating a guy called Aghastus Ninkumaana. We dated for over two years, and his life changed for the better because I gave him everything he needed.
Good things never last
In due process, he had friends who also wanted the life he had. So, he recommended to me one who was also pretty looking.
One day, we planned to meet in the teacher’s quarters immediately after evening classes. Unfortunately, the young man came late, not knowing that security officers monitored the school after hours.
We were caught red-handed in a compromising situation by a security guard. I was arrested and kept in the school’s custody till dawn. Immediately, the young man was expelled, and I was to be taken to prison.
My escape
Subsequently, I persuaded the police and bribed them with 2 million Rwandese Francs. I was released and fled Rwanda because news of my arrest was being spread everywhere. I hitched a lift to Kenya, where life became hard. As an educated man, I sought assistance from UNCHR offices in Kenya. They got me to Kakuma.
I arrived at the Kakuma UN camp in 2021
During my time there I became close to another camp colleague from Congo called Campos. He has been my friend, and we shared the same shelter. The only positive things about being there were meeting Campos and the friendship from everyone in our block.
I have lost my past life because of homophobia, only to find gay and lesbian people were treated in Kakuma Camp equally horribly.
I was there for over two years and suffered beatings and attacks from heterosexual residents in camp. The food we are allocated was far too little, and we were discriminated against for medical needs because we are LGBT.
In early 2024 I moved with my group colleagues to our current UN camp.
We are still desperate to find a means to escape from this enforced camp entrapment. Supplementing our limited food rations and bare necessities are our primary needs, as is proper and timely medical care and attention.
I’m thankful to you for reading my story. I hope you can, in some small way, kindly help.
Ratif.
