The Launch of Refuge America Pride Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

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.

Rev. Lisa from St. Thomas opened the Refuge America Pride Exhibition in Washington, D.C., with a welcome message, speaking about the church's work in supporting LGBTQ refugees through the welcome program. Guests were then ushered to enjoy a delightful lunch, creating a friendly atmosphere and excitement for the first panel of the day.

The first panel, moderated by Refuge America’s Executive Director, Edafe Okporo, featured an enlightening conversation between Noni Salma, a Refuge 25 participant, and Michalina Kulesza from IRC DMV. Noni, a transgender woman and screenwriter, shared her journey of navigating identity and artistry while transitioning from Lagos to New York. Her story highlighted the importance of visbility and courage required to overcome personal and societal oppression faced by members of the Trans community. Michalina emphasized the critical role organizations like IRC play in helping refugees rebuild their lives, underscoring the importance of advocacy and community support.

After this engaging discussion, the event paused for snacks, giving everyone time to think about the powerful stories they had just heard and to chat with each other, building a sense of community and understanding.

The final panel featured Craig Lemley, a board member of Refuge America, who shared his experience of welcoming a refugee through the Welcome Corps. Craig’s story showed how much individual actions and community support can positively impact refugees' lives. His story highlighted the power of kindness and compassion, showing how important it is to work together to create welcoming environments for newcomers.

One of the most memorable moments was Youssef’s insightful remarks. He pointed out an important truth: “Even though I’m speaking your language, I might not understand you because of the cultural differences.” His words highlighted how tricky communication can be across cultures and reminded us of the need for empathy and understanding. Youssef’s message emphasized that real understanding requires effort, openness, and a willingness to bridge cultural gaps.

The Refuge America Pride Exhibition was more than just panels and talks; it was a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Each speaker shared unique experiences and perspectives, helping everyone gain a richer understanding of the refugee experience. The event highlighted how advocacy, personal stories, and community support work together to create inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ refugees.

As the day ended, everyone felt really inspired and committed to helping more. The success of the D.C. exhibition made us excited for future events, especially the upcoming World Refugee Day celebration in New York on June 20th. This next event will continue to celebrate the strength and resilience of refugees, with more powerful stories and chances to connect with others.

Follow the journey of LGBTQ Refugees profiled by Refuge America and support our work in making the United States a place of welcome for LGBTQ Refugees. link to donate link. Register for our June 2024 Pride Exhibition in D.D and New York link.