(speaks in foreign language)
- This was the first time I saw the rainbow flag
raised in my home country, Egypt.
(speaks in foreign language)
I knew this was going to be a defining moment
for the LGBT community in Egypt.
I needed to know who was brave enough to raise the flag.
But it didn't take long for me to realize
this action had serious consequences.
- [Reporter] Egyptian authorities have arrested seven people
for allegedly holding up a rainbow flag at a rock concert.
- I first reached out to Ahmed when I learned
he was being tracked by the government.
His name and his face were all over the news.
(speaks in foreign language)
Ahmed had no choice but to hide,
while the government was encouraging the media
to highlight these arrests to win popular support.
(speaks in foreign language)
On October 1st 2017,
I learned Ahmed was arrested and put to jail.
(phone ringing)
(speaks in foreign language)
I decided to fly out to Canada
and take him to his first Pride.
It was important to me that he have a chance
to raise the rainbow flag without fear.
His story made me think about my own journey
and how I left the Middle East when I was 18.
I was able to explore my identity without being suppressed.
If I was still in Egypt,
I don't know if I would've raised the flag.
He does something a lot of others are still scared to do.
(foreign language)
(melancholy music)
(speaks in foreign language)
(melancholy music)
(speaks in foreign language)
(fast tempo music)
(speaks in foreign language)
Meeting Ahmed made me realize one thing.
The first time I raised the rainbow flag,
I didn't have to fight for it.
I just felt like I belonged.
When Ahmed raised the flag that night of the concert,
he wanted to proudly exist.
Just like everyone else.
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That was my part.