No one dreams of becoming a refugee. I know – I was one, a child fleeing war-torn Sarajevo. Though the Bosnian War has faded from global attention, for those it displaced, the struggle persists. Being a refugee is not a one-time event, but a lifelong series of petty humiliations as you chase the elusive prize of acceptance in a new homeland.

This collection shares raw stories from refugees like me who now call Canada home. On paper, Canada welcomes diversity; in reality, immigrants often face a glass ceiling that excludes us from full participation. With irony, in this multicultural nation we are made to feel like uncomfortable outcasts burdened by our pasts.

You may not want to hear our stories because they highlight bitter truths - that even in an open-armed country, refugees endure judgement and distance. But acknowledging these stories is the first step toward positive change. By reading about our intersecting struggles you become part of the solution helping to shift perspectives and bring us in from the margins. Our histories make some uncomfortable, but are essential to share if we hope to build a more inclusive society.