- Yousif Ali, left, and Nawfal Muhammed
I spoke to Becky Edmiston-Lange, one of the pastors at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church in Houston. Their congregation has started to help Yousif Ali and Nawfal Muhammed, the two gay Iraqi refugees first profiled in Dallas Voice.
The two are still looking for jobs, although they are living somewhere safer than where they originally were.
Edmiston-Lange described the two as “remarkably resilient,” “courageous,” “brave” and “delightful.”
A fund originally set up by the Houston GLBT Community Center raised only $140 for them, $100 of it came one source in California.
Emerson created a new fund that has already been more successful. The church has used some of its own funds and is seeking additional donations.
Edmiston-Lange said that Ali and Muhammed came to the church two weeks ago. They stayed for services and a program afterward. The church has been showing a series of films dealing with the LGBT community and the film that week was “Trembling Before G-d” followed by a discussion.
The social action committee at the church is meeting to discuss how they can help. What services can they help the pair access? How can they help direct them? Can they help them with more schooling?
To make a donation, send a check to:
Emerson UU Church
1900 Bering Dr.
Houston, TX 77057
Note in the memo line: Yousif and Nawfal
While Edmiston-Lange thinks the two can have a bright future in Texas, she said, “I feel like they need a tremendous amount.”
