Who is Tarun Godara? Queer artist in Canada facing deportation to India - here's why court rejected his appeal

Queer artist Tarun Godara is facing deportation to India after Canadian federal court rejected his appeal citing “insufficient evidence”, CP24 reported.

Godara has lived in Sudbury for over eight years and left India after allegedly facing violence and assault because of his sexuality. His hopes to stay in Canada were dashed when a judge ruled there was “insufficient evidence” that he would face persecution if deported, leading to the rejection of his review.

“I’m scared that it could be any day,” CP24 quoted Tarun saying. “Every weekday, I go and check my mailbox around 5 or 6, and it feels good not to have any mail in there," he added.

Who is Tarun Godara?

Tarun Godara is a queer, gender non-conforming artist who has been a part of the Sudbury, Canada, community for over eight years.

Originally from India, he fled the country after allegedly enduring harassment, threats, and violence due to his gender expression and sexuality.

According to Sudbury.com, a GoFundMe campaign launched by friends describes the risks he faces if forced to return to India saying that deportation would mean “going back to a place where his well-being and personal freedom are not protected. He is in serious emotional distress, and extremely fearful of losing the life, support system, and safety he has built here.”

Godara has repeatedly sought help from federal officials, including Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe, who confirmed her office is supporting him and plans to meet with him soon to discuss his case further.