NEW YORK, NY, June 3, 2024 – The Pride Exhibition showcases the narratives of six LGBTQI+ individuals who fled their homes for the United States in search of safety. Their diverse identities and journeys from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Former Soviet Union reflect Refuge America's commitment to "strengthening America as a welcoming place for displaced LGBTQI+ people."

The exhibition will take place during Pride Month and center on two events: first at St. Thomas Parish in Washington D.C. on June 9 and then at the LGBTQ Center in New York City on June 20.

Edafe Okporo, our Executive Director, shared his experience upon arriving in the United States, noting the lack of narratives about LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers beyond their trauma. "We are telling uncommon narratives of LGBTQI+ refugees, stories that reveal who they are beyond the loss of their homes," said Okporo.

JUNE 9: Washington D.C Capital Pride Festival Day by 12:30pm to 2:30pm. This event, hosted at St. Thomas Parish, is in partnership with IRC Maryland, Refugee Congress, and other partners in the DMV area. (St. Thomas’ Parish, 1517 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036)

The event will feature the introduction of the exhibition panels and profile individuals. Noni Salma, a trans woman and filmmaker, and Craig Lemley, a community sponsor, will appear on the public panel alongside Michalina Kulesza, a Community Engagement Specialist at the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring, MD.

Preethi Nampoothiri, Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee in Maryland, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "At the IRC, we recognize that LGBTQI+ refugees often endure discrimination simply because of their identities. We are dedicated to supporting and helping these individuals rebuild their lives in America. By showcasing their stories through events like Refuge America's Pride Exhibition, we aim to highlight their resilience and celebrate the diverse contributions LGBTQI+ refugees bring to our communities."

JUNE 20: New York, World Refugee Day by 6pm - 8pm. Hosted by our partners at the LGBTQ Center, this event is in partnership with Immigration Equality, Community Sponsorship Hub, and Welcome Corps. (The Center, 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011)

Many of the profiled individuals will be at the event. Tiffany Jade Munroe, a community organizer and trans advocate, will appear on the public panel. Tiffany shared her experience: “In my homeland, being LGBTQI+ meant hiding your true self to survive. America allows me to be Tiffany unapologetically.” On the intersection of Pride and World Refugee Day, the event shows the importance of embracing LGBQI+ refugees and giving them the power to fully express themselves.

Refuge America has worked tirelessly to bring these narratives to light. “Getting to know these amazing individuals, hearing their accounts first-hand and creating their stories brought our understanding of the unique struggles that LGBTQI+ refugees face to a new level,” said board member Dorothy Wetzel. 

Board member Craig Lemley added: “Our hope is that visitors to the exhibit walk away with increased empathy and a determination to make America a more welcoming place for this community.”

Refuge America remains committed to accelerating the acceptance of LGBTQ refugees in the United States. To learn more about Refuge America and our initiatives, please visit our website at www.refugeamerica.org.