[quote]The UK Border Agency is reportedly demanding a student activist proves he is gay in order to avoid deportation back to his home country, where he faces homophobic persecution. Serigne Mbengue, whose hearing is on Wednesday, says he has been held in detention by the Home Office for two years without any explanation. Mbengue, whose nickname is "Tacko" is fighting deportation by claiming he is at risk of homophobic persecution if he returns home. In order to stay in the UK he has been told he must prove his homosexuality, the Pink News reported. The asylum seeker fled Senegal, where homosexual acts are illegal and carry a punishment of up to five years in jail. There is also no legal protection for those who are discriminated against due to their sexual orientation. The 26-year-old, who graduated from London's Newham College in 2009, is an LGBT representative for the National Student of Union's black campaign committee and is described as being an "active" member. Aaron Kiely, black students' officer at the NUS, said: "Tacko is an inspiring Black LGBT activist who has spoken out against the terrible conditions that asylum seekers endure in the detention system."[/quote]