IF I HAD THE POWER – OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

The song If I had the power and its music video is one of the many methods we have used to highlight the situation of young LGBTQIA asylum seekers, migrants, and undocumented. The lyrics reflect upon the journeys of these young people and how they share similar experiences. Through the music, the youth have wanted to communicate to themselves and to the whole community, a message of self-love, freedom, and empowerment. Having to flee as a young person and leave an entire life behind to come to a new country is something that requires courage and hope for the future. With this song, we aim to inspire you to join our fight for equality and justice in the asylum process.

Producers: Haris Eloy & Alexandra Politidis Palm
Music by: Stefan Storm | A film by: Jad Nehmeh

EPISODE 1: TWO YEARS LEFT

Akbar is an LGBTQI youth who applies for asylum in Sweden but gets a rejection. When Akbar gets rejected, he struggles to find a way to survive. Two Years Left tells the story of a broken and unjust system of oppression within the Swedish migration process.

Directed and produced by Tine Alavi

EPISODE 2: LIKE I SEE MYSELF

Sara is a young transgendered person who comes to Sweden to visit someone she knows. Even though Sara has come to Sweden legally, she is caught by the police on arrival and placed in the Swedish Migration Board’s detention center. As I see myself, it is about racism and transphobia within the Swedish legal system.

Production: Haris Eloy
Interviewers: Adam Alian
Videography: Peter Nylund
Audio: Haris Eloy
Post Production: Tine Alavi

EPISODE 3: DUBLIN

Ruby is an LGBTQI youth who gets entangled in the Dublin regulation and is forced back to Norway, where she fears rejection on her asylum case. Dublin tells the story of fear and setbacks for young LGBTQI asylum seekers in Sweden.

Production: Haris Eloy & Tine Alavi
Interviewers: Haris Eloy & Tine Alavi
Videography: Tine Alavi
Audio: Haris Eloy
Post Production: Tine Alavi

EPISODE 4: THERE ARE MANY TABOOS; I WANT TO BREAK

Jemal shares the story about how they came to Sweden and went from being shy and withdrawn to discovering themselves and their self-confidence. But the journey towards security and a secure future is long and full of difficulties. Jemal wants to say to everyone who has the asylum process ahead of them that anyone who is seeking asylum must be both brave and patient

Production: Haris Eloy
Interviewers: Andreas Paulsson
Videography: Andreas Paulsson
Audio: Haris Eloy & Alexandra Politidis Palm
Post Production: Jad Nehmeh

EPISODE 5: LIVING UNDOCUMENTED

TW: Sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts.

In this episode, Abel describes their experience of living undocumented in Sweden. In addition to talking about the challenges, the discrimination, and the fear of deportation, the story discusses sexual assaults, rape, lack of medical care, and suicidal thoughts. Finally, they talk about how RFSL Ungdom has helped them find themselves again and to make friends.

Production: Haris Eloy
Interviewers: Haris Eloy & Tine Alavi
Videography: Tine Alavi
Audio: Haris Eloy & Alexandra Politidis Palm
Post Production: Jad Nehmeh

EPISODE 6: WHAT BOXES DO YOU PUT YOURSELF IN?

Lishan describes her experiences as an asylum seeker in Sweden, including the challenges of navigating a new country and the racism she has experienced. She also recounts her asylum process, which took eight years, and express frustration at having to conform to the Migration Agency’s narrative in order to be granted protection.

Production: Haris Eloy
Interviewers: Haris Eloy & Tine Alavi
Videography: Tine Alavi
Audio: Haris Eloy
Post Production: Jad Nehmeh