Growing number of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees find sanctuary in Edmonton

At Edmonton’s Rainbow Refuge, newfound freedom. A lifeline after fleeing countries where their sexuality could get them killed. I feel like I’m home, honestly. I feel like I’m actually home being in this group. I feel it’s my family. It’s my home. I feel safe when I’m here. Yeah, I could wobble as free as I want. Wear my pants how I want, wear my clothes how I want. I just feel so awesome. Behind the smiles. Each arrived with their own harrowing tale so I can save my life. Alan Nansubuga was born in Uganda. He fled five years ago after being discovered with his same sex partner. Police considered it to be a lesbian relationship and criminally charged him one of the room attendants. So as then, alerted the community members who took us out of that room and they attacked us. I was ready to to die because I was with a person I loved. After recovering in hospital, Nancy Buga went into hiding until he could flee. He eventually made his way to Edmonton, where he is fully able to embrace his male identity. In early April, Uganda’s Constitutional Court upheld its 2023 Anti Homosexuality Act. The law punishes same sex activity with long prison sentences, even death. It’s one of dozens of countries worldwide where 2 S LGBTQ plus relationships are still a crime. Many have found sanctuary here. Basil Abu Hamra and Sarah Bukinski founded the Rainbow Refuge in 2015. They connect members with legal support, housing, employment and therapy. It’s both Edmonton and the Map as a safe and supporting city for LGBTQ refugees and newcomers. Starting as a group of seven, they’ve now surged to nearly 600 from more than sixty countries, over half from Uganda. They told me that if you go to Edmonton, there are lots of services there. And thank God I bumped into EMCN. They became my family. Nicholas Arya Tushka landed in Saskatchewan last year, but community members advised him to head. WI saw my father in them, I saw my mother in them. They were everything. But with just three staff we try our best to support everyone. But like with this high number, we are really struggling to to to find support. They’re hoping the federal government will expand funding. Ottawa has not provided comment. Now able to live life authentically, Nancy Booga dedicates his time to his work in a local shelter, time I would have spent with her. I spend it saving Canadians and also thanking Canadians for giving me the second chance to live. Andrea Hunkar, CBC News, Edmonton.