After a 13 year battle over her right to remain, Aderonke Apata has finally been granted asylum in the UK and Duckie and Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants teamed up to throw a Sunday afternoon party to celebrate.

It’s was 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.

It was hosted by Sadie Sinner with DJ Kartel Brown playing highlife, afrobeat and dancehall, and short talks from Human Rights activists.

Aderonke says: "I cannot thank enough everyone that supported me in this horrendous journey. You have all contributed to this victory. I felt dehumanised when the Home Office said I was pretending to be a lesbian. This victory means hope and strength to other LGBTI people seeking asylum. With perseverance, steadfastness and love, they can overcome the rejections that they are facing in their asylum cases. There are many people like me … who are facing huge insurmountable difficulties navigating the asylum system in the UK. I will continue to do my bit in amplifying the voices of people who can only shout so far.”

This event was a fundraiser for Afican Rainbow Family a non-for-profit organisation that support LGBTIQ people seeking asylum and refuge and of African heritage.

Aderonke’s barrister, S Chelvan of No5 Chambers, said: “Aderonke’s case highlights the Home Office’s approach to sexual identity asylum claims is still not fit for purpose. In asylum claims, the negative history is in part a product of a system in the UK that still dehumanises LGBTQ applicants by continuing to detain, isolate, stigmatise and harm some of the most vulnerable groups in our society. We must demand change, starting at the highest level.”

Read more here:

http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-pride-award-winner-wins-asylum-bid-to-stay-in-the-uk/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/14/nigerian-gay-rights-activist-aderonke-apata-wins-uk-asylum-claim-13-year-battle#img-1

http://www.divamag.co.uk/Diva-Magazine/News/Aderonke-Apata-I-felt-dehumanised-when-the-Home-Office-said-I-was-pretending-to-be-a-lesbian/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/nigeria-gay-rights-activist-aderonke-apata-uk-asylum-granted-high-court-fake-sexulaity-lesbian-lgbt-a7888931.html

‘VICTORY PARTY FOR ADERONKE APATA!’ supported by African Rainbow Family, Manchester Migrant Solidarity, Queer Tours of London, Duckie and all Aderonke’s friends.