A gay couple opened their home to 24 refugees, and their lives changed forever
A gay couple have sought to dispel claims that refugees are bringing a tidal-wave of homophobia to Europe – after hosting 24 of them in their home.
Europe is currently experiencing an influx of refugees and migrants from Syria and across the Middle East, many of whom are fleeing from conflict or terorrist group ISIS.
A number of politicians have claimed the refugees are a threat to gay people – with UKIP’s David Coburn claiming that he might be stoned to death for being gay if the UK takes more.
However, one German gay couple – Dirk Voltz and his partner – have taken in a stunning 24 refugees into their Berlin apartment.
Writing in a Facebook post, Mr Voltz addressed fears that the refugees might be violent or homophobic.
He wrote: “Since July my partner and I have hosted approximately 24 people from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq in our place in Berlin.
“Our knives are still in the kitchen, precisely where I left them on the board before our guests from Syria and Iraq arrived.
“We never needed a key for our bedroom, except for one time a dear guest from Afghanistan needed it to play with our cats. Our four fat, old cats had as much fun as the young man.
“But back to the knives: All that was stabbed with them in the weeks we hosted refugees in our home were onions, garlic and a looooot of meat.
“Mario and I are still alive. Perhaps, even more intensively than before.
“Whether we´ll ever return to a ‘normal’, we do not know. How can I care about the luxury chatter from yesterday?”
Addressing fears in the post, translated by Buzzfeed, he continued: “Really, what the hell is happening here?
“No Muslim who was there wanted to kill us in our sleep. No one insulted us because we are two men and share one bed.
“No one, by any means, said they prefer Sharia law over German Law. We did not meet one person who did not regret leaving their home.”
He does have some negative points, however – when you’re cooking for lots of people, your sugar and salt get used up really quickly.
Mr Voltz opened his home to many Syrians like Mjood
Mr Voltz added: “The only bad experience I can recall is that our new friends used a lot sugar and salt. So we bought it at the market and that was that.”
While the pair had a joyous time hosting the refugees, making many friends for life, he adds that the everyday Germans were far less tolerant.
He said: “The real disappointment that happened to us came in the form of ordinary text messages, death threats on the street, or insulting letters at the front door.
“Or simply by school friends, that rather cry and quote the [anti-migration party] AfD.
“Instead of tackling the crisis, we act as if there is no tomorrow. Wake up!
“As if one could stop this migration of people. As if we could personally influence which war will break out. As if we all don’t have a responsibility to the world.”
