Long-time ORAM supporter and friend Dominique Jackson – model, ballroom icon, and Emmy-nominated actress for her role in the hit TV show Pose – and her finance, Edwin Torres, provided special Christmas cheer to LGBTIQ refugees across Kenya.
This is the fourth year in a row that Dominique and Edwin have treated queer refugees in Kenya to a special surprise in celebration of the holiday season. Their gift, now a holiday tradition, will reach more LGBTIQ refugees this year than in previous years!
Pictured: Dominique and Edwin at ORAM's Refugee Pride Reception in June 2022.
In Kakuma Refugee Camp, ORAM’s team identified 60 of the more vulnerable members of the LGBTIQ refugee community in the camp. Thanks to Dominique and Edwin’s gift, they received cash assistance before Christmas. The cash assistance was used to purchase extra food, gifts for children, and other necessary household items that make the holiday season a bit brighter, as life for LGBTIQ refugees can be very difficult in the camp.
In Nairobi, ORAM partnered with Rainbow Family Support and Advocacy – Africa (RaFaSA), an LGBTIQ refugee-led organization for queer parents and families, to organize a Christmas party for LGBTIQ refugee parents and their children. The party occurred on Christmas Day and was attended by 60 families (around 120 people total!).
Dominique and Edwin’s gift provided food and refreshments for the party and toys for the children. Their generosity this Christmas fueled joy among the families who joined us for the holiday celebration.
“The party means a lot to our community,” shared Joseph, a staff member at RaFaSA. “It's through [Dominique and Edwin’s] support that we get a smile on our faces, and we keep hoping for the best.” Read RaFaSA's full message of thanks to Dominique and Edwin here.
At the Christmas party, guests wrote special notes of gratitude to Dominique and Edwin on a board that was present during the party.
Thank you to RaFaSA and our dedicated staff and team members across Kenya for helping Dominique and Edwin’s Christmas gift reach more LGBTIQ refugees than ever!
Dominique and Edwin, thank you both for your unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. You are indeed champions of change.
If you want to join Dominique and Edwin and support ORAM’s work of protecting and empowering LGBTIQ refugees, donate here.