What happens when you arrive in a new country with a broken heart, two weeks’ worth of clothes, and no plan except “don’t fall apart”?

In this episode, I take you through the heartbreak that led me to Australia, how I ended up applying for asylum on the basis of being queer, and what it means to rebuild your life from scratch: Legally, emotionally, and sexually.

You’ll hear from my brother (who lent me his credit card and a dining room to live in), my refugee lawyer friend, my ex-housemate, and—wait for it—my current partner’s ex-boyfriend, who hired me, mentored me, and then got his heart broken by both of us.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to heartbreak, sexual content, and the refugee experience.

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed their voices to this episode: Zeid, DD, GG, Marty, Sushi, Hana, Nadine, Jana, Giddy, Belinda Lopez and Zoe Ferguson and my wife Kristina

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠@lemzakharia⁠ (https://bit.ly/4mz3Ei3)

Follow me on TikTok: ⁠@twicedisplaced⁠ (https://bit.ly/46UKuPf)