From Here

Mufleh, Luna. From Here. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9780593354452.

Growing up gay can be challenging under most circumstances, but it is even more difficult as a Muslim woman. Luna Mufleh recounts her years as a child and teenager in Jordan, a conservative Muslim society, and she describes how she grappled with her sexuality, a concept that remained unspoken in her cultural context. Fear of rejection and potential violence forced her to conceal her true self, leading to a desperate yearning for escape. This desire culminated in her acceptance to a U.S. college and a subsequent application for political asylum, a decision that tragically severed ties with her family.

Finding herself alone and adrift as a refugee in America, Luma faced numerous hardships. However, with the support of newfound friends and the kindness of strangers, she gradually rebuilt her life, embracing her identity and forging a new sense of belonging. This journey of self-discovery ultimately led her to establish Fugees Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugee children in the United States. From Here is a poignant and inspiring memoir that explores the complexities of identity, the search for belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.