Mehdi followed his transgender sister (who already fled Iran years before) to Stockholm in 2017. Because her asylum claim was approved, Mehdi hoped for the same result. According to him, their parents are unaware of their children’s sexuality and gender identity.
While in Sweden, he met the 23-year old Carlo Rapisarda. They have been together for about 18 months. Late last year, the Swedish Migration Board rejected his request due to the suspicion that the teenager was lying about his relationship and the dire circumstances in Iran. Carlo testified for their relationship, but this apparently was not enough: ‘’They want evidence. We live together, we love each other, we’ve known each other a long time. Isn’t that evidence enough?’’
Even though the Swedish government sees no direct threat in deporting Mehdi back to Iran, he begs to differ: ‘’Officers will absolutely figure it out. They’ll ask questions. If they find out I’m Christian or I’m gay or I tried to seek asylum, they will not understand that. They will execute me.’’ Thanks to the money raised with their Go Fund Me page, the young couple is hopeful that their lawyers will be able to win them an appeal.
