The Bronx Defenders’ LGBTQ Defense Project is a team of advocates who provide specialized representation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the community in legal matters.

A man, who identified himself as John, says the project saved his life. He says he escaped from Nigeria and came to the U.S. because he faced torture for being bisexual.

Once inside the U.S., John says he was arrested and placed in ICE detention for nearly seven months. He then met a representative from the Bronx Defenders in court two years ago who helped get him out of the detention center. They are still working on his case today.

"If it wasn't for Bronx Defenders, I would be sent back to Nigeria, be caught again, be tortured or killed," said John.

He also says the group helped him become a “better person.”

“I could meet people, socialize and live freely and not in fear like where I was coming from," he told News 12.

According to its website, The LGBTQ Defense Project works “creatively, zealously, and compassionately to ensure meaningful access to justice and secure better outcomes for its clients.”