Viken Joshi has left India where he faced rejection and death threats and came to Reunion Island to find a safe haven.
Viken Joshi came to Reunion Island after having been persecuted in India for his sexual orientation. His family rejected him when they learned he was gay.
Also policemen sexually abused him and made death threats to prevent him from telling the public about what they had made him go through.
Viken Joshi decided then to move somewhere he would be safe. Reunion Island was the easier choice, being French territory and with less "visa hassle" as he put it.
Viken Joshi spoke to Antenne Réunion about the persecution he faced in India and asking for asylum in Reunion Island.
He was put in a center for homeless people first before getting a place of his own. Viken Joshi says he is "enjoying the freedom" as he learns French and meets people waiting for the french government to study his asylum application.
"I have an interview which will further determine whether they will grant me asylum or not. It would be ideal if they do. I just have to talk about my truth, my story and my situation."
"I’m working on campaigning against the sections 3-77 and trying to advocate for people like me and my community in India and the hardship that they go through, not just India but throughout the world."
