You may have seen the moving documentary Out of Iraq, which aired this summer on Logo, about the love story between Nayyef (a translator) and Btoo (a soldier) who met 12 years ago during the Iraq war. As Iraqi citizens, their love was forbidden, and they struggled for years, including a four-year separation, to be together. Now, they’re happily together and living in Seattle. And if that’s not enough, Ellen DeGeneres had them on her show to prove that love wins.
The men first met in Ramadi when Nayyef saw Btoo and wondered silently who “this beautiful guy,” he told Ellen. Six months later the pair were on the same dangerous mission to clear terrorists out of an area and that’s when they became close.
Curious about how they revealed their mutual attraction, or how they knew they would be safe with each other Btoo gave a good old-fashioned answer that made Ellen laugh. “Gaydar,” was how they knew, he said.
Nayyef, who’s safety was at risk as a translator, sought asylum and left Iraq, also leaving behind the love of his life. But after four years of Skyping every day, they're now married and helping LGBT youth in Seattle.
“People helped us. Now it’s our time to pay them back,” Nayyef told Ellen.
It wouldn't be Ellen's show if there weren't some kind of surprise for the couple.
Watch the full segment below.
