World Refugee Day Chicago 2026 / A Call to Welcome LGBTQ Refugees

Ten years ago, Edafe Okporo arrived in the United States seeking asylum after fleeing anti-gay persecution in Nigeria. On World Refugee Day in Chicago, he shared a powerful message: safety is not the same as belonging.

In this speech, Edafe reflects on his own journey as a refugee and calls on Chicago to continue building communities where LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers can find not only protection, but housing, friendship, opportunity, and a place to thrive.

As support for refugees often declines when newcomers are identified as LGBTQ, Refuge America is working to build Communities of Care that connect people to the resources and relationships they need to rebuild their lives.