Saudi Lesbian Woman Granted Asylum in UK After Fleeing Arranged Marriage
A lesbian woman from Saudi Arabia has expressed overwhelming joy after being granted asylum in the United Kingdom, following her escape from an arranged marriage that threatened her identity and safety. Now 31 years old, Al Hussain wants to send a powerful message to queer Saudi women that hope and freedom are possible beyond their homeland's restrictive laws.
A Terrifying Reality in Saudi Arabia
Al Hussain's ordeal began at the age of 16 when her mother informed her that she was being reserved for marriage to a 40-year-old male cousin. Growing up in a strict Muslim household in Saudi Arabia, Al described a life of constant surveillance and control, where she was never allowed to leave home without a male guardian and faced severe limitations on her independence.
The prospect of marriage to a much older man absolutely terrified her, particularly as she had begun to realize she was lesbian—a dangerous identity in a country where same-sex relations are criminalized under Sharia law. Punishments can include death sentences, whipping, or banishment according to Human Rights Watch.
"I couldn't believe what I was hearing," Al recalled about learning of the arranged marriage. "The worst part was that my supposed future husband-to-be was in his 40s and I was just 16 at the time. I felt disgusted, not least because I'm a lesbian."
Living in Fear and Secrecy
Throughout her teenage years and early twenties, Al lived with what she described as a "looming threat" of marriage hanging over her. She remembered family members and peers reinforcing that being LGBTQ+ was haram (forbidden), with one relative even stating they would "kill someone" if they discovered they were gay.
Al managed to delay the marriage by convincing her parents to let her attend university, secretly hoping this would prolong her freedom. When her older sisters underwent their own arranged marriages, Al knew she was next in line according to family tradition.
In a desperate move, she approached her intended husband's sister to express her lack of attraction to him—a forbidden act that ultimately led to the marriage being called off. While temporarily relieved, Al knew another arranged marriage would likely be arranged soon.
The Daring Escape to Freedom
At age 27, Al began planning her escape. She obtained a passport secretly and took a customer service job she could perform from her bedroom, saving money for a flight out of the country. In 2022, she discovered the UK's electronic visa scheme and applied immediately, receiving approval within weeks.
"Very early one morning, I packed up a suitcase, locked my bedroom door, and booked an Uber to get me to the airport," Al described. "I tip-toed out of the front door while everyone was sleeping and ended up catching one of the earliest flights out of the country."
Upon arriving in London, Al immediately applied for asylum, overwhelmed with emotion during her initial interview. "At one point during my initial interview that day, the officer said: 'I promise you're safe'. But I just could not stop crying," she recalled.
Building a New Life in the UK
While staying in various asylum seeker hotels across London, Al initially felt paranoid and rarely left her accommodation due to her traumatic experiences in Saudi Arabia. A turning point came when she downloaded the dating app Tinder and met her girlfriend, Eris, in August 2022.
Eris has since taught Al to DJ, and she now performs regularly at LGBTQ+ venues. "I couldn't be happier," Al said. "I can truly be myself and I have also found a community that I feel safe in."
By the end of 2023, Al received the news she had been waiting for—her asylum application was approved. "Finally, I could start living my life and that's exactly what I've done," she said.
A Message of Hope
Al now wants to share her story to inspire other queer Saudi women facing similar circumstances. "I want queer Saudi women to know that there is hope out there," she emphasized. "The best part is, I can wear what I want, go where I want, and be whoever I want to be."
Her journey highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries with restrictive laws and the life-changing impact of asylum protection in nations like the United Kingdom. Al's story serves as both a testament to personal courage and a reminder of the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
