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 News from Around the Americas | August 2007 
Gay Mexican Pleads to Stay, Fears Persecution
 Tom Godfrey - Sun Media
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| | A man dressed as a wrestler named Super Gay holds a sign that says "Yes" during a rally last year on the steps of Mexico City's legislative house. (Gregory Bull/AP) |
Toronto - A Mexican homosexual who claims he'll be persecuted if deported is appealing to Immigration Minister Diane Finley to block his removal from Canada.
Leonardo Zuniga, 25, a member of Toronto's Youth Cabinet, has exhausted all his appeals and is slated for removal to Mexico City. No date is set for his departure. Zuniga said he's being sent back to an area two hours away from where Hurricane Dean struck.
"I am afraid and concerned for myself and my family," Zuniga said yesterday. "I have been threatened and would have to hide from people in Mexico."
Zuniga, who volunteers with several Toronto social agencies, was the recipient of a 2006 David Barker Maltby Award for photography and received a 2007 Youth Line Award for Queer Youth Activism. He has gathered 1,500 signatures on an online petition. Zuniga said six city councillors want him here.
He came to Canada in September 2004 as a visitor and later filed an unsuccessful refugee claim that was appealed.
"I cannot go back to Mexico as a gay man and live a free life," Zuniga said.
Helen Kennedy, of EGALE Canada, said Zuniga will be a credit to Canada. "Leo has made a valuable contribution to the community," Kennedy said yesterday. Her group is lobbying Finley to let Zuniga stay.
Farrah Miranda, of No One Is Illegal, said Zuniga's is not an isolated case of deportation.
"Mexico ranks second in anti-gay crimes in the world," Miranda said.
Anna Pape, of the Canada Border Services Agency, said Zuniga has exhausted all his appeals and he will be deported. |
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