The Young Center worked with a child born Lourdes*. When we were working on their case, we learned that they preferred to be called M* and used they/them/their pronouns. In their home country, M did not fit into the strict gender roles enforced in their community and was exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation. As a result, M faced years of physical and sexual abuse by their family. Because of the community’s strict gender roles, M did not feel they could go to the authorities to seek protection and fled to the United States to escape abuse. Through a grant of asylum, M was able to find safety and support in the United States.

*Child’s name changed to protect their privacy.