Somy Ali: “Love Should Never Be a Death Sentence” – No More Tears Rescues LGBTQ+ Victims of Violence

Actress and activist Somy Ali has made it her life’s mission to turn pain into power. Through her US-based NGO, No More Tears, she works day and night to rescue survivors of domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, and hate crimes, giving them more than just a chance to survive — she helps them find a reason to live again. For Somy, saving a life means restoring dignity and hope. “At No More Tears, we often say that saving a life is not just about preventing death, it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and a reason to keep breathing,” she says.

Recently, Somy shared three cases that cut close to her heart — all involving young men from the LGBTQ+ community, targeted brutally for simply existing. The first case was from Punjab, India, where a young man was on the brink of being beheaded for the so-called “crime” of loving differently. “We worked quietly, carefully, alongside allies, and secured him a plane ticket that took him far away from the blade that hung over his neck. Today, he is building a new life outside of India, free to love without fear of death,” Somy recounts with pride and relief.

The second case unfolded in the United States, where a young man had been beaten nearly to death simply for being gay. When he arrived at No More Tears, he was broken on every level — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “We gave him shelter, counseling, and the care he deserved. Today, he is not only alive, but thriving in a new chapter, where his identity is a source of pride, not punishment,” she shares.

The third case came to Somy in an unexpected way — directly through the Mumbai Police. The young man had been left in the ICU, his body battered for the “offense” of being a closet gay individual. Somy and her team stepped in, covering his hospital bills, working hand-in-hand with the police to ensure he received the care he needed. “When he will be strong enough, we are beginning planning his future. Today, that same boy is preparing to go to pharmacy school, thanks to No More Tears and your donations. I hope one day in the near future he will tell me once he’s fully recovered: ‘Didi, I want to heal people the way you healed me,’” she says, her voice filled with emotion.

For Somy, these three men represent far more than statistics or cases on paper. They are a reflection of why her mission matters — why she refuses to look away. “Three men. Three different paths. But the same truth: No one should have to bleed, hide, or run for being who they are. What unites them is not only the trauma they endured, but the resilience they found when someone, anyone, refused to turn away,” she says.

Somy’s commitment to survivors is unflinching. At No More Tears, every individual is treated as a human being first, not a number in a system. “At No More Tears, these men are not ‘cases.’ They are sons, brothers, friends, and future healers. And their stories remind us why we cannot stay silent,” she emphasizes.

Her conviction is clear and unwavering: “Love should never be a death sentence. And if I can save even one more life like theirs, then every sleepless night, every tear shed, every fight against systems that would rather look away will always be worth it,” she says — a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice and compassion.