NAIROBI, KENYA - On Thursday 27 June 2019 The Refugee Coalition of East Africa (RefCEA) will host the 2nd annual International LGBTQI Refugee Day. One week after World Refugee Day on 20 June and coinciding with LGBTQI celebrations around the globe during the month of June, International LGBTQI Refugee Day celebrates the solidarity and strength of LGBTQI refugees and acknowledges the unique struggles and challenges faced by sexual identity refugees worldwide.
The day will begin with RefCEA’s general meeting to discuss accomplishments and setbacks over the last year,elect new officers and managers, and discuss plans for moving forward. Additionally, the newly created Strategic Plan for the development of LBGTQI refugees organizations in East Africa will be presented.
TheGeneral Meeting will be attended by all RefCEA member organizations, but is open to any CBO or individual that identifies as a refugee based on sexual orientation or non-binary gender identity. The afternoon will consist of festivities to celebrate all LGBTQI refugees. Food will be served and the day will include live performances, music, dancing, and a fashion show. The event will benefit LGBTQI refugees through the hiring of LGBTQI refugee service providers, the provision of transportation and food, and by providing an opportunity for fundraising for LGBTQI refugee empowerment programs.
On the motivation for the celebration of this day, the RefCEA Secretariat states: International LGBTQI Refugee Day is held to commemorate the lives of sexual refugees around the world and to create public awareness of the plight of LGBTQI refugee. The event is our extended and specific celebration of what World Refugee Day means to us.
LGBTQI refugees are a small subset of a massive worldwide refugee population, and as such we often go unnoticed. Our cries of protest at the regular violations of our rights frequently remain unheard. We do not have representation in so many of the communities, organizations, and governing bodies. On 27 June, one week after World Refugee Day, we encourage those who have compassion for all refugees to further consider LGBTQI refugees around the world, and particularly those of us in regions where our rights are threatened and our lives are in danger.
The Refugee Coalition of East Africa exists because of exactly this prevalence of homophobia and prejudice in the region and around the world. To help us celebrate International LGBTQI Refugee Day on 27 June, we ask for your notice, your love, your acknowledgement, and your support.
In solidarity,
The RefCEA Secretariat
Press contact: Adam Fitzgerald
+1 917 544 5911
EVENT DETAILS:
Annual General Meeting
Time: 8:30 AM
Email reservation for location information
Reservations: [email protected]
Meal Break
11:30 AM
Celebration Party
Time: 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Email reservation for location information
Reservations / Request for Transport: [email protected]
The Refugee Coalition of East Africa (RefCEA) is a registered community organization for and by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. RefCEA was established to unite the various independent LGBTQI refugee organizations in East Africa under an umbrella organization in order to facilitate long-term planning, advocacy, and representation, and to provide fiscal management and fundraising support for its members. Additionally, RefCEA oversees research initiatives representing the LGBTQI refugee community and works toward improving conditions for refugees during the resettlement waiting period. Current membership consists of: Community Support Initiative for Refugees, Natures Network, Refugee Flag Kakuma, Urban Legacy Africa, and Arise Network Africa.
