“Let us come together and call for an end to the inhumane treatment of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum.”
Joel Mordi is an LGBTQI+ activist from Nigeria who came to the UK for safety, but was instead was held in immigration detention. Joel spoke to Freeda about the inhumane treatment of LGBTQI+ people in the UK asylum system and why the new government must end LGBTQI+ detention. You can watch the video below.
Joel organised Nigeria’s first month-long Pride in 2019. Afterwards however, he no longer felt safe in his own country, and he was forced to flee Nigeria for the UK.
Yet upon arrival, instead of being welcomed, Joel was sent to a detention centre where, as he told dazed, he suffered homophobic threats and abuse.
Immigration detention is not safe for anyone, but LGBTQI+ people are especially at risk of bullying, harassment, and isolation.
Joel was finally granted refugee status in the UK in 2021. Since then he has continued to be a vocal advocate of LGBTQI+ rights, and joins our call to end the detention of LGBTQI+ people.
You can support our No Pride In Detention campaign by adding your name.