Though he appreciates Canada's awareness of the tough situation for gay Syrians, Danny Ramadan said he sees the refugee priority list announced Tuesday as a glass that's half-empty.

"Honestly, it's not giving priority to the gay male refugee but basically discriminating against Syrian lone straight men," Ramadan said.

Ramadan, 31, is a gay Syrian refugee who fled his home country and has been living in Vancouver since September of last year.

On Tuesday, the government said the settlement process for single men will be expedited only if they identify as gay, bisexual, transgender or are travelling as part of a family.

"I appreciate the fact that the Canadian government is giving priority to children, women and gay men. I do, however ... the only category left is straight men. It's still discrimination."

Ramadan suggested there are cultural elements against homosexuality in the Arab world which could hinder the effectiveness of prioritizing gay men.

"Legally speaking, in Syria homosexuals (can be punished) for three years in prison," said Ramadan.

"Three years in prison are, to be honest, a death sentence."

In Ramadan's past life in Syria, the court of public opinion cast its own judgement, too.

"Fortunately, it never happened to me. I managed to evade the police numerous times. But I've seen it. I've seen photos of folks who were published in the newspapers, accused of homosexuality.

"It's like a reminder that freaks you out whenever you go out as a gay person."

Though he said the prioritization for gays is "absolutely helpful" he indicated he's skeptical about its implementation.

"Well, the question is would the process be publicly known to the Syrians in refugee camps? Because if I was in a refugee camp and I hear that gay men are going to be taken to Canada and I go and apply, I basically just outed myself to the whole refugee camp. So it's kind of dangerous to actually go with this plan," he said.

Ramadan admits he may just be looking at the situation in a negative light.

"The full side of the glass: a lot of men who are gay, who are suffering at the moment, who are going through a lot of difficulty (now) have a way. Now, would they decide to take that way or not ... depends on their situation personally."