15 Because Jamaican law prohibits homosexual activity, and homophobia and violence against the gay community are ingrained in the culture, LGBT people in Jamaica quite rightly fear for their lives. For “Edward,” who grew up in a rural part of the island nation, the ill-treatment began in childhood. In elementary school, when he was caught kissing another boy, the headmaster beat Edward and called him a pejorative slang term for a gay man at an all-school assembly. When Edward’s father learned of this, he beat his son with a lead pipe, temporarily blinding him in one eye. Edward later endured mob attacks, a kidnapping, and sexual and physical assaults, as well as a forced religious “deprogramming.” Despite his traumatic past, Edward began attending college, where he sought training as a counselor so he could help troubled and autistic youth. After he met his partner “Ben” at school and moved in with him, the couple regularly received death threats. They were advised to flee Jamaica, and Ben left first, finding his way to the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester. The Task Force later helped Edward come to the United States in January 2014. Edward sought legal help from the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project. PAIR referred his asylum case to Mintz attorney Martha Koster through the Access to Justice Fellows Program for senior and retired attorneys and judges. Former Mintz attorney Daniel Woofter assisted early on; when he left the firm for a clerkship, attorney Drew DeVoogd and, later, former Mintz project analyst Eric Halliday stepped in to help. For several years, the Mintz team met with Edward, slowly gaining his trust and compiling a detailed written declaration for his asylum claim. The team obtained supporting letters and other documents and completed a detailed country conditions report on Jamaica, documenting its violently anti-homosexual culture. Meanwhile, Edward created a new life in the United States. He channeled his difficult background into a mission to help others. As soon as he secured work authorization, he got a job at a residential facility for troubled and autistic youth; he’s since been promoted numerous times. Recognizing the impact of his history, the Mintz lawyers also helped Edward obtain a psychiatric evaluation and find mental health services. It was deeply traumatic for Edward to verbalize some aspects of his story, but with such help, Edward was able to focus during his stressful asylum interview. He provided clear and meaningful answers at a pivotal and pressure-filled moment of his case and ultimately was granted asylum. “To have succeeded was an incredible relief as much as it was a hooray moment. It was a real gift getting to know Edward; we were thrilled to achieve this result for him and his now- fiancé Ben,” Drew said. Since receiving asylum in May, Edward has been planning his wedding with Ben. He is also preparing to earn undergraduate and master’s degrees in counseling so he can continue his work helping others overcome troubled backgrounds. “I find the experience of working with people like Edward life-altering. This is the most important work I’ve ever done as a lawyer and a person,” Martha said. Leading the Way to a Safer Place “The compassion that Mintz brings to the table creates an environment for the client where they really feel they have an ally. That’s incredibly important for someone who is coming to the country who has fled unspeakable harm and is trying to navigate a compli- cated immigration system. Having that experienced and knowledgeable advocate in their corner smooths the path for the client.” Seth Purcell Staff Attorney, Asylum Program PAIR Project