Free to be me - a life reborn
In October 2021 Bella fled Afghanistan, fearing for her life under the Taliban - because she's transgender. We meet her in Brighton, where she's embracing a new life in the UK.
In October 2021 Bella fled Afghanistan, fearing for her life under the Taliban - because she's transgender. Two months earlier, the Taliban had toppled the government in Kabul - as US, UK and other NATO forces left the country. Under their interpretation of Sharia law, the Taliban believe being LGBT is punishable by death.
Bella went into hiding. Then a secret mission - organised by the UK government and charities - brought her and around 30 others to Britain, to start a new life.
For 5 Minutes On, she meets the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's LGBT and identity correspondent, Lauren Moss, in Brighton, where she's being housed in a one-bedroom flat. Bella receives around Β£80 a week in Universal Credit payments to live off, and is currently volunteering while looking for a job. She talks to Lauren about the trauma of the past, adapting to life in the UK - and her hopes for the future.
Photo credit: Gemma Laister
