Overcoming: Alone Against the World

Growing up in Afghanistan, Hamid Zaher did not feel like a man and was more comfortable in the company of women. He eventually realized he was a gay-a subject despite being punishable, was also taboo in his country, and one that was never discussed. In this memoir, Zaher tells his story of trying to leave his country, only to experience an additional discrimination based on his national origin. Overcoming addresses the worldwide prejudice gay Afghanistani men face. Escaping the religious and traditional homophobia and confronting refugee-bashing when no country or the UN would admit him, Zaher eventually, by trouble making, succeeded to become recognized as a refugee by the UN to Canada. Overcoming shows how one man set goals, persevered, and attempted to overcome discriminations which were tied to his sexual orientation and nationality. By sharing his personal experiences, Zaher hopes to bring newfound rights to others like him who have been denigrated and neglected in today's world society.