At Refuge America, we believe in the power of stories to shape communities, drive change, and uplift those who have faced displacement and hardship. This past World Refugee Day, we had the immense privilege of showcasing our community’s resilience and brilliance through an exhibition where storytelling and community came together to celebrate the refugee experience.

World Refugee Day is a significant time for us, a day dedicated to honoring the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of displaced people worldwide.

On the day of its independence, America chose a motto to show how proud it was of its diversity and welcome. Over the centuries “E Pluribus Unum” — “out of many, one” — has meant welcoming in tens of millions of the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” As Pride month and World Refugee Day coincide, we shine a spotlight on a few of those free-breathing folks who have made it to these United States from a world that has oppressed them because of their identity.

In a world where displacement is increasingly common, stories like those of Tiffany, Sal, Youssef, Noni, Nature Brian, and Pasha are not just narratives of personal achievement but calls to action for all of us to continue building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

The Refuge America Pride Exhibition in Washington, D.C. was a vibrant celebration of diversity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. The event brought together voices from different backgrounds, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives.

Growing up in Uganda, Nature Brian always felt different, wondering if he was "born in the wrong body." When he asked his mom if he was a boy or a girl, she said, "You don’t have to choose. You go, my child. That's your nature!" Inspired by her words, he embraced the name "Nature Brian."

Nature Brian's journey from Uganda to Morgantown, West Virginia, reflects his profound connection with the natural world and his nurturing spirit. Despite facing significant obstacles as an LGBTQ+ individual, his commitment to environmental and social causes never wavered.

From creating safe spaces for fellow refugees in Kenya to advocating for conservation and LGBTQ+ rights in the US, Nature Brian is a beacon of resilience and advocacy.

Noni, Tiffany, Youssef amongst a group of LGBTQI+ displaced individuals profiled by Refuge America pride exhibition showcase in D.C. and New York.

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."

You may have seen her on top of the Brooklyn Museum at the end of the 2020 Brooklyn Liberation March. From the front page of the New York Times and across all of social media, Tiffany Jade Munroe was waving a flag for trans rights from the top of New York’s second largest museum. She’d come a long way.

"In my homeland, being LGBTQ meant hiding your true self to survive. America allows me to be Tiffany, unapologetically."

Sal's journey challenges America's 'melting pot' narrative, revealing nuanced battles for acceptance and identity faced by LGBTQ immigrants.

Sal Khan shares their journey as a child of partition, navigating the complexities of belonging, trauma, and self-discovery. As a secular Buddhist and nature worshipper, Sal finds solace in their spiritual beliefs amidst struggles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Their story sheds light on the intersectionality of identity and the ongoing battle for acceptance.

Today, we're thrilled to share an inside look into the Refugee Sponsorship movement with Refuge America as we unveil the remarkable journey of Team Refugee 25. From pride to purpose, learn about community sponsorship, how a group is formed and the journey of welcoming a new refugee.

The group was led by Craig and supported by Frances, a longtime coordinator of volunteers. They said “our sponsorship group is a dynamic blend of individuals with diverse experiences, including a retired social worker, a licensed school counselor, a former refugee resettlement executive, and volunteers who have worked directly with refugee detainees.”

Together, we're committed to making a meaningful impact and creating a welcoming community for LGBTQ refugees. Join us in sponsoring LGBTQ refugees with Refuge America.

In a stirring display of solidarity and advocacy, the Dignity Not Detention Campaign kicked off its 2024 initiative with a community event on Tuesday, March 19th, from 6-8PM. Held in the heart of New York State, this event was more than just a gathering—it was a rallying cry for change, leveraging the power of storytelling to advocate for critical legislative reform.

At the heart of the event was the call to support the Dignity Not Detention (DND) Act (S306/A4354)—a crucial piece of legislation aimed at ending the inhumane practice of immigration detention in New York State.

Youssef Saleh grew up in the breathtaking landscapes between the Mediterranean and the Lebanese mountains. In America, he finds himself in calmer, but picturesque surroundings, with a community that embraces him.

It didn’t take Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” for Youssef Salah to know he was different, but hearing her lyrics gave him the words to explain himself.

Noni Salma's journey away from Lagos is a tapestry woven with many threads of identity. Now living in New York City as a trans woman and an immigrant from Nigeria, her story has unfolded as a quest for a home — both within herself and in a new land.

Noni's story is a love letter to New York. She lightheartedly suggests that she might even be a perfect fit for "I Love New York" ads, embodying the diverse spirit of the city she now calls home.

Pasha came from Kyrgyzstan. Political and family homophobia meant Pasha left his home. After the State Committee for National Security service put an intimate blackmail video on social media, Pasha and partner left for Kazakhstan.

“We applied for help from multiple agencies, even the UN bodies, but no one was able to help. It felt as if the whole world left us alone while crumbling apart on its own.” - Pasha

They are still finding their way in America.

In the heart of New York City, as autumn's golden leaves fell and a brisk breeze swept through the air, Refuge America hosted a remarkable event called 'Autumn of Hope.' This event was more than just a celebration of the season; it was a powerful testament to the organization's mission of supporting LGBTQ refugees and changing the narrative surrounding their journeys.

One Journey Festival brings together individuals, refugees from across the country, alias and organizations to form a community bonding over food, conversations, dance and culture to create a renewed narrative not only about fear, hate, rejection, persecution but also about love, acceptance, welcome and family.

"Refuge America's Founder, Edafe Okporo, Brings his Life to the Stage in Powerful Play: 'Do Not Tell Anyone I am a Prince"

This powerful performance was not only a testament to Okporo's inspiring journey but also a catalyst for change, rallying support for an essential bill that seeks to end the detention of migrants in the state of New York.

Shadi's story of welcome is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, but it should also serve as a call to action. Together, we can create an America that truly embodies the values of compassion, acceptance, and justice for all.

Our U.S. welcome program is laying the groundwork to scale community sponsorship of LGBTQ refugees to the United States by working to make the new welcome corps program pathway accessible to LGBTQ refugees on an equitable basis. Refuge America is partnering with the U.S. government and resettlement agencies to welcome LGBTQ refugees.

Refuge America is delighted to announce the addition of three exceptional individuals to our esteemed Board of Directors. These new appointments mark an important milestone in our organization's mission to advocate for asylum pathways and provide comprehensive support through our Welcoming program for LGBTQI+ refugees.

In 1980, the United States congress passed the Refugee Act of 1980, which established a framework for granting protection to individuals fleeing persecution and seeking safety at the country's borders. Since then, the global refugee crisis has escalated, presenting new challenges and necessitating the development of innovative solutions.