Event Description
Join us this Human Rights Day for a transformative and healing experience rooted in resilience, advocacy, and radical joy.Hosted by Hope for Refugees International, the symposium centers the lived experiences, expertise, and leadership of LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers in Canada.
Across storytelling, panel discussions, artistic expression, and collaborative dialogue, we will explore how to build a more inclusive, affirming, and equitable LGBTQI+ movement—where queer refugees and newcomers are not only safe but celebrated.
This event is designed to challenge tokenism, amplify underrepresented voices, and co-create a future where queer joy is resistance, and refugee voices lead.
Who Should Attend
LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers
LGBTQI+ advocates and Pride organizers
Community workers, policymakers, service providers, and allies
Artists, storytellers, and leaders in queer and migrant justice spaces
Key Highlights
✅ Plenary Sessions with refugee and newcomer speakers
✅ Breakout Workshops for skill-sharing, storytelling, and strategy
✅ Healing and Creative Spaces featuring art, music, and poetry
✅ Networking Opportunities to connect and build solidarity
✅ Free Admission – Includes refreshments and lunch
Featured Sessions
Pride Beyond Borders: Reclaiming Belonging in LGBTQI+ Movements
Joy as Resistance: Healing and Leading Through Lived Experience
Tokenized or Recognized? Reimagining Inclusion in Pride and Advocacy
Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Queer Refugee Participation in Leadership
Event Goals
Celebrate queer refugee joy, survival, and cultural power
Create an inclusive space for community, healing, and dialogue
Build a national training toolkit to support inclusive Pride and LGBTQI+ organizing
Strengthen partnerships across queer advocacy, Pride networks, and newcomer-serving organizations
Visit the event webpage here to learn more: https://hopeforrefugees.org/celebrating-queer-joy-resistance-a-human-rights-day-symposium-for-lgbtqi-refugees-and-newcomers/