RARICANOW SOCIETY

Rarica now is a non-profit organization with the aim of Promoting Human Rights for all LGBTIQ+ refugees and newcomers in Canada. The organization also leverages serviceprovision to address the refugee needs and continue promoting conversations in the same area of focus, sharing triumphs and focusing on being part of institutions rectifying their struggles through political, social, economic and cultural means.

RaricaNow was founded on 15 th May 2007 by Adebayo Katiiti, a transgender athlete and activist who came to Edmonton from Uganda for the ILGA swimming competition that took place from 9 th to 13 th August 2016 at Kinsmen Sport Centre 9100 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton, AB T6E 2V3 organized by Making Waves Edmonton Gay Swim Club.

Adebayo was not able to go back home because of fear of being persecuted by the Uganda Police Force in Uganda while at the same time, Adebayo was also disowned and discriminated by her own family after discovering that she was a gay. Adebayo then applied for a refugee status in Canada so as to save her life and currently a permanent residence in Canada.

STONEWALL CANADA

The annual Stonewall Symposium and Awards is a new approach in discussing issues that affect Black, Indigenous, Trans, and Queer people, here in Canada and internationally. This the biggest event of the year the 2SLGBTIQ+ Community. We are looking for universal solutions to protect Black Trans and Queer lives and ensure that they have basic mental health access. In a unique way, Stonewall will recognize and honour the work of different activists and encourage them to keep up their work.

Stonewall will also be hosting activists from across the globe to address and share stories about their successes and challenges faced in gender-based violence work and best practices. They will also address police brutality towards the QTBIPOC Community and discuss ways to ensure the wellness and well-being of this community. Radical changes must happen to allow a future that ensures the protection and wellbeing of these community members in Canada and worldwide.

Stonewall conferences intend to shed light and make a difference in the lives and experiences of Black Queer and Trans people that are most affected by gender-based violence and police brutality. For this reason, a mental health platform that is dedicated to supporting Black Queer and Trans people will be established. There will also be resources and information to offer a safe place to help with employment and education opportunities. These will be put together on Stonewall’s official website for Black Queer and Trans people to access.

Every year, the Stonewall event committees will be re-evaluated for improvement in terms of resources offered and where the needs are to ensure the well-being of Trans and Queer people. However, we cannot forget to acknowledge the different projects dedicated to fighting for equal rights for the Black 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada, but more specifically in Alberta. Rarica Now and Stonewall projects have done an incredible job organizing, supporting and advocating for the Black, Trans and Queer community in the past five years.