Abraham Naim feared for his life in the strictly Muslim island nation, The Maldives. The 28-year-old was granted refugee status by New Zealand late last year. Back home in the Maldives his safety was in danger as an openly gay man, gay rights activist and an atheist.
He suffered homophobic abuse and he has friends who have been attacked for turning their backs on Islam, and for being gay. He is now carving out a life for himself in Wellington, having previously spent some years studying in New Zealand. Abraham Naim is also known by his drag name Medulla Oblongata and recently won the Miss Capital Drag pageant.
See a gallery of Abraham Naim a.k.a. Medulla Oblongata
Audio
Listen to Abraham Naim talk with Kathryn Ryan