Homophobia before entering the embassy

[Natelopez 5]

Hello everyone,

 

I am really frasturated about the homophobia that might happen to me during the security process before entering the embassy, the US EMBASSY won't harm me I know but the police that guards outside might. I am from Tunisia and it is an extremely homophobic country..the guards before entering the embassy might take a look over the photos..

Anyone knows what should I do instead ?

[RJandHamid 1,133]

I don't think they can prevent you from entering the embassy for that reason. I don't see why they would look at the photos, but if they do, just be polite and tell them that you have a scheduled appointment at the embassy. I know it's difficult, but try to be confident and calm. 

 

Good luck to you, I hope everything goes smoothly! 

[Redheadguy03 505]

5 minutes ago, Natelopez said:

Hello everyone,

 

I am really frasturated about the homophobia that might happen to me during the security process before entering the embassy, the US EMBASSY won't harm me I know but the police that guards outside might. I am from Tunisia and it is an extremely homophobic country..the guards before entering the embassy might take a look over the photos..

Anyone knows what should I do instead ?

Their is nothing you can do. You have to go to the embassy, so just go. You should be fine, just go and try not to worry.

[Natelopez 5]

10 minutes ago, Redheadguy03 said:

Their is nothing you can do. You have to go to the embassy, so just go. You should be fine, just go and try not to worry.

Even with the photo albums ?! 

[JSWH 262]

21 minutes ago, Natelopez said:

Even with the photo albums ?! 

Sure enough, I don't know how things are in Tunisia, but in my country the policemen that check the documents of anyone entering the US Embassy only look at their passports and a confirmation of an appointment. If you are worried that big photo albums may attract unwanted attention, put your photos in a big envelop instead of album, and seal it. You can open it inside the Embassy. Don't bring too many photos, the Consular officer isn't going to loook through all of them. You'll be just fine with 20-30 photos, which definitely can be placed inside a big envelope. 

[LabOz 915]

The guards outside of the embassy are hired BY the embassy. 

If they were to give you any problems about your sexual orientation they could be fired.

I don't think you will have any problems at the embassy regarding that matter.

[Natelopez 5]

I called the embassy I was told to send an Email. I did and I'm expecting a reply ^^/ thank you all

[Rafael G 14]

5 hours ago, Natelopez said:

I called the embassy I was told to send an Email. I did and I'm expecting a reply ^^/ thank you all

Looking at your embassy's review, is there homophobic history? If you have not got nothing to worry about, remember, the embassy or consulate are from the USA, you are applying for an American process, not for your own country, I think you should take the photos in a package to facilitate, Not for fear of anything, here in Brazil is checked only the necessary documents, nothing is requested except your passport and confirmations, supporting documents, photos, and other documents are evaluated only by consular agents. Do not worry. Everything will be fine.

[Auds 223]

5 hours ago, Natelopez said:

I called the embassy I was told to send an Email. I did and I'm expecting a reply ^^/ thank you all

The envelope idea is fantastic.

[Sukie 1,464]

Natelopez,

 

I understand that you are afraid, and know, in your country, you have good reason to be afraid.  I'm a US Citizen, and there are times here in the US I've been afraid because I was gay.  The best advice I can give you is to be confident in the way you approach the guards.  You are just another person coming to the embassy because you have an appointment.  If you LOOK afraid, or if you LOOK like you should be questioned, then you might be questioned.  If you look confident, and you have your document for entry (I'm assuming you need identity papers, a copy of your interview letter, etc.) then you will not have trouble.  Have the documents that you have to present to gain entry in a very convenient place so you don't have to open everything else to get to them.  If it is custom in your country, then smile at the guards and behave appropriately.

 

Good Luck!!!

 

Sukie in NY

[NYCruiser 423]

We are a same sex couple and my husband went for the interview at another fairly homophobic country in Africa. (never mind that there are gay people everywhere, hiding and married to women to cover things up). I contacted the Embassy using their direct email and told them to interview him in a separate room......being that it is MY taxes supporting them. They responded non-committedly. In the end they just interviewed him in the public area normally. Apparently, the people around were nervous about their interviews and didn't pay attention. Another friend had his Fiance in Pakistan interviewed in a separate room. 

 

I would suggest have your USC Fiance email the US Embassy Immigrant Visa there and ASK for a private room. By the way, the Pakistan friend of mine's fiance was asked 46 questions!! However, my husband was asked 15 questions only.

[NYCruiser 423]

I forgot about the pictures. I would take the advice of the fellow VJ on here and enclose the photos in a sealed envelope (If the CO ((Consular Officer)) asks why sealed, just state you were scared the Guards would see them). However, guards are not usually entrusted with content of paperwork, just security and having he Confirmation of the DS 260 + passport/ID of yourself. The rest is up to the US CO to determine. He took about 15 photos from meeting to the last trip I made there to see him (7 in all). All sitting or standing together, no kissing or other funny stuff either.