Camara, Diawara, Yassin and Farid were all born in countries where homosexuality is considered shameful, taboo and sometimes even a crime. Camara is from Mali, Diawara from Guinea and Yassin and Farid are from Morocco. When their secret was discovered, all four of them fled their home countries -- afraid of ending up in prison and terrified about what their friends, family and neighbors might do to them.

Today, these four are all seeking asylum in France. InfoMigrants met them through Le Refuge, an organization that helps LGBT people who find themselves isolated. Le Refuge is providing these four men with a roof over their heads and psychological support while their asylum claims are being processed.

They never say the word "gay." Instead, they dance around it, saying “people like me” or “my community”.

Yassin*, a 27-year-old from Morocco, is still uncomfortable with his sexuality. For many people in his country, being gay is shameful -- a taboo and a dishonor that will bring shame upon the family name.

Yassin doesn’t want his real name used. He won’t say what part of Morocco he is from. He doesn’t want his photo taken. He doesn’t want us to use any audio or video without modifying his voice. The list of information he is afraid to share is long. He is haunted by the fear of being recognized.