LGBTQI+ party starters Duckie host a celebratory party for the victorious Apata
A celebratory party is being held in honour of LGBT Nigerian activist, Aderonke Apata, following her successful asylum bid in August this year.
Apata, who came to the UK in 2004, fought a 13-year battle with the Home Office for them to recognise that her asylum application on the grounds of being a lesbian was genuine.
In parts of Nigeria, the death penalty is still in force for homosexuality and the punishment for lesbianism is stoning to death. Apata, who said she knew she was gay from the age of 16, fled the country for fear of her life.
Little did she know that she would face a painstaking battle to secure her residency in the UK. This included being accused of lying about her sexuality by the Home Office in order to obtain asylum, which led Apata to provide an intimate video in a desperate effort to live a safe and free life. Apata described feeling “dehumanised and demeaned” throughout this period.
Apata also spent time at Yarl’s Wood detention centre, a place that has become notorious for human rights abuse.
As a result of her experiences, Apata founded African Rainbow Family, an organisation which aims to supports LGBTIQ people seeking asylum in the UK, influence decision making in the LGBTIQ asylum system and campaign for global LGBTIQ equality.
The party, which takes place in north London this Sunday afternoon, is described as, “a gathering for all her friends and fans and a public event for anyone who wants to help her celebrate her victory and support the struggle against homophobia, xenophobia, racism and inflexible borders.”
DJ Kartel Brown will be playing a mixture of highlife, afrobeat and dancehall, alongside guest artists performances and short talks from human rights activists.
Find out more at duckie.co.uk/events/victory-party-for-aderonke-apata
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