00:00A simple act of affection, but it's not taken for granted.
00:06I don't have to think about anything. I can just be.
00:11Sam comes from a country where being gay could land them more than 10 years in jail.
00:16It wasn't until they came to Australia as a teenager that they were free to explore their sexuality.
00:22I was more comfortable with just being myself and expressing the part of myself.
00:31But it was kept secret from their parents.
00:33So when the family's application for permanent residency was knocked back, Sam was terrified.
00:39I don't think I would have been safe physically if I expressed myself.
00:47And then if I hit myself, I don't think I would have been safe mentally.
00:52So they applied for asylum and received permanent protection.
00:57Around the world, 67 countries criminalise same-sex relations.
01:03Punishments range from a few months in prison to a lifetime.
01:07In some places, it's the death penalty.
01:10People fearing persecution in their home country because of their sexuality or gender
01:16can be considered refugees in Australia.
01:19The Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service is representing a growing number of clients like Sam,
01:26usually coming to the end of a student, work or visitor visa.
01:30They generally fear for their life if they were forced to return.
01:33Mr O'Connor believes there are likely many who haven't come forward out of fear of retribution
01:39or because they don't understand the law.
01:42He's seeking more funding to dedicate a lawyer to this caseload and run community workshops around Tasmania.
01:49Liberal representation is critical and is life changing and can make all the difference.
01:55I think all people who have diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are vulnerable in the community.
02:04But for those who are from migrant backgrounds, from refugee backgrounds and from asylum seeker backgrounds,
02:10they're extremely vulnerable.
02:12Ms Long says it's vital all new arrivals are taught it's not okay to discriminate against people
02:18because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in Australia.
02:23For Sam, the security has opened up a whole world of possibilities.
02:28I've got a lot of love around me and I don't think I would have experienced that if I did not apply for this visa.
02:37Also, a lot of nuclear instruments can be created in Australia.
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