Campaigns Advisory Group
We work with a ‘Campaigns Advisory Group’ of LGBTQI+ people with lived experience of the UK asylum system to steer our public campaigning. The group meets regularly with staff to plan, deliver and evaluate activities for our No Pride In Detention campaign.
Join the group
We are not currently recruiting but the group is always open to new members who are LGBTQI+ and have experienced immigration detention. To find out more email us at the link below to ask for an information pack.
Meet the current Campaigns Advisory Group
Vanessa
Vanessa (she/they) joined in 2022 as a member of the advisory group. With lived experience of the asylum system, Vanessa is a supported housing assistant for Centrepoint. Vanessa also volunteered as a social media assistant coordinator for African Rainbow Family. Fun fact: Vanessa writes and does photography on the side.
Qussai
Qussai (he/him) is an activist, marketer, and digital campaigner. He currently works at Amnesty International UK, and previously worked at refugee charity The Bike Project. Qussai also serves as a Communications and Fundraising Committee member at Kaleidoscope Trust, providing strategic insights on digital communications and fundraising.
Britney
International Non-Binary Icon Arthur Britney Joestar (she/they) is an Artist, Performer and Activist based in Liverpool. Britney is the first non-binary person to be recognised as a refugee in the UK.
Omena J
Omena J joined in 2023 and having been through the asylum system, is lending her voice to increase visibility and representation of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees. Omena J also volunteers with Living Free UK, a charity that supports Black LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees.
"I had heard about detention centres but never heard stories from LGBTQ+ people who had actually stayed in detention centres. Being in the advisory group has opened my eyes to the struggles and has also created the passion to lend my voice and words against detention."
— Vanessa, member of the Campaigns Advisory Group
"As part of the group, I’ve contributed to the production of the campaign film, spoken at National Student Pride, recorded a podcast, and helped out at events. It has given me the chance to learn professional skills, to have a say about issues important to me, to express myself, and meet lots of new people."
— Britney, member of the Campaigns Advisory Group
Other activities
As well as meeting behind the scenes to plan and deliver the campaign, members who do not wish to remain anonymous can get involved in the campaign more publicly. Examples include:
– Qussai’s blog about the importance of remembering that LGBTQI+ pride is for us all, especially when considering those who have no freedom in immigration detention.
– Vanessa recorded a video at the launch of the campaign, reading out the words of LGBTQI+ people with experience of immigration detention.
– Britney helped us plan our No Pride In Detention film and recorded a podcast with us in Liverpool.
