Ruth Marimo started writing her memoir, OUTsider, while in jail awaiting deportation. Born in Zimbabwe, she never boarded her return flight from a visit to the US. After the expiration of her visa, she started living in the shadows as an undocumented immigrant until her ex-husband reported her to immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Marimo is a business owner who continues to stay in this country legally. She advocates for immigration reform and speaks out against the mistreatment of LGBTQ people in Africa.