The Mic Drop: Season One

*Please note that in this episode we refer to 'Adrian' throughout - since recording back in February 2020 Arthur Britney has been granted UK refugee status and has formally changed their name - you'll hear more from Arthur Britney in seasons two and three.

About Adrian

"I am a gay asylum seeker from El Salvador. I've been in Liverpool for over two years. I'm still in the process to get my refugee status, now waiting for an answer from the upper tribunal. Since I came here I started to be involved as an artist on different events with Many Hands One Heart ( an LGBT Asylum support group), Crisis Merseyside and Earth Moves on the Wirral, delivering performances and helping to create shows, also as a volunteer creating short videos for charities."

About Mohammed Taher

Mohammed Taher has been a Community Development Officer working with BAME communities for the last 10 years. He is currently employed by Mersey Care NHS Trust. Mohammad also known as Mo, has mainly been working with people seeking asylum and refugees in Liverpool to support their mental health.

Mo helped to start Many Hands One Heart (MHOH) in 2016 in partnership with Sahir House and Armistead. During the last 4 years he has worked with MHOH to organise several events for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and has helped them to develop several projects such as The Mic Drop.

Listen to Ariane talk to Mohammed about life in Cameroon and finding love in Liverpool, navigating the asylum system and being the spice of Many Hands One Heart. Spoiler alert: Ariane shows off her vocal talents that once got her an audition on Britain's Got Talent (listen to the end).

Ariane also campaigns on behalf of These Walls Must Fall - check out their important work to end the UK's unacceptable detention practices.

In this episode, Kevin is interviewed by Mohammed Taher, who you should be familiar with by now!

In this critical and honest conversation, Adrian chats to Manono about discovering your sexuality, how this intertwines with your beliefs and the impacts of the immigration system in the UK.

In this conversation they discuss Sam's journey from Malaysia to Liverpool via Cornwall, the importance of public support in the asylum process and studying for the future.

This exhibition which took place at Tate Liverpool between 13 December 2019 – 3 May 2020. You can find out more information about the exhibition that The Mic Drop crew visited, and see images and videos, on the Tate website.

About Ali:

"I am Ali Awais and I am from Pakistan. I have been living in Liverpool for last three years. I am a gay asylum seeker and still struggling for my refugee status. I have been part of Many Hands One Heart for the last two and half years. It has given me the chance to work with so many amazing people in the LGBTQ+ community and motivation to participate in different events in different roles. I have also worked with Movema dance company, Savera UK, Writing on the Wall and Liverpool LCR pride on different occasions."

An honest and important listen, please take time to hear Margarita, learn about the asylum system in the UK if you are not familiar with it and explore the work of organisations and initiatives like Right To Remain and These Walls Must Fall.

Providing an insight into the stress and strain of the asylum process, Jansie highlights the importance of groups such as Many Hands One Heart and the support they provide. Listen to learn about the asylum system in the UK if you are not familiar with it and explore the work of organisations and initiatives like Right To Remain and These Walls Must Fall.

We've loved sharing this season of The Mic Drop with you and it'd be great to hear what you think. You can leave us feedback over on our Anchor page or send us a message here. You can now also subscribe to The Mic Drop over on Spotify, and while you're there you can listen to the incredible Queen & Slim OST.