“My dream since before coming in Belgium was to become a parent,” says Djenk Ej

up (26), who left his home country of North Macedonia due to homophobia, violence and a marriage his parents tried to arrange. “I was very depressed because I didn’t have anything to look forward to. I didn’t have any vision where my life would go,” he says. “I was forced to live a life full of lies. And I did not want that for myself.” Coming to a new country alone at 20 years of age was a real struggle for Djenk, but he says the experience has made him grow. “I think I’ve developed a lot as a person, but I still have a long way to go.” Today, Djenk is a student and LGBT activist. He rents a house with four others in Brussels. He still struggles with loneliness but sports, working hard and supporting other asylum seekers help him cope. His current dream is to get his degree and buy a house. “I was given this life and I’m trying to make the best out of it, so I’m glad that I’m very resilient.” Full Story