Gay, atheist international student disowned by family

Online donations offer hope for disowned student Michelle Gerwing on a successful online campaign to help an international student disowned by his family because he’s gay and atheist.

A University of Winnipeg international student is turning to the kindness of strangers to help him stay in Canada.

On a GoFundMe page, Hazim Ismail wrote because he is gay and atheist he has been disowned and funding for his education has been cut off.

Ismail is from Malaysia, a country where sodomy is considered a criminal offense.

In order to stay in Canada and keep his immigration status, Ismail says he needs to stay enrolled in three classes per term.

On Monday morning, the psychology student reached his $5,000 goal covering the minimum amount to stay a student at U of W.

He says he is very grateful for the outpouring of support from the Winnipeg community.

The University of Winnipeg issued a statement about Hazim. It reads:

“Hazim is both courageous and resourceful and we are proud to have him as our student. We have been monitoring his GoFundMe campaign and we will ensure, if needed, that he is able to complete his winter term here."

Ismail says he doesn't know what the future holds, but he's decided to concentrate on his upcoming exams and take it from there.