Meet the current Campaigns Advisory Group
Vanessa
Vanessa (she/they) joined the group in 2022. With lived experience of the asylum system, Vanessa is a supported housing assistant for Centrepoint. Vanessa also volunteers for African Rainbow Family. Fun fact: Vanessa writes and does photography on the side.
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+ refugees. Omena J also volunteers with Living Free UK, a charity that supports Black LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum.
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.
Anonymous
Some people in the group participate anonymously, and we welcome new members who wish to do so as well.
"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:
– 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.
– Qussai was a member of the group between 2022-2024. He wrote a blog about how important it is to remember LGBTQI+ pride is for us all, especially when considering those who have no freedom in immigration detention.
