Joel Mordi and Amanda Kamanda have embarked on this walk to amplify the voices of queer refugees
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM @TWOREFUGEESWALKING
Last week, Nigerian LGBTQIA and human rights activist Joel Mordi and trans activist Amanda Kamanda began their extraordinary 210-day, 2,500-mile walk across all 32 London boroughs in order to raise critical funds for UNHCR, Minority Inclusion Foundation (MIF), Safe Passage International, and Rainbow Migration.
Throughout this journey, the pair will be highlighting the key work of these organisations such as the “Safe Routes Save Lives” and “No Pride In Detention” campaigns. This walk will raise awareness about the experiences of refugees around the world, illuminating the humanitarian crises faced by LGBTQIA individuals escaping persecution.
The route itself is inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Princess Diana as well as the memory of Joel’s eldest sister. Speaking about the journey, Joel said: “This walk is a tribute to the millions of forcibly displaced persons worldwide, as well as a tribute to anyone who has lost someone—young or old.”
Joel will complete the journey by walking backwards, hoping to symbolise the regressive laws and backwards policies affecting refugees.
Amanda added: “Our walk is more than a fundraiser; it is a political statement against the LGBTQIA witch-hunt, regressive laws, and attacks on human rights. Our hope is to spark awareness and action across communities, individuals, and leaders worldwide.”
Their organisation – Minority Inclusion Foundation – is dedicated to raising awareness and support for marginalized communities, with a specific focus on LGBTQIA individuals and refugees. Throughout the walk, both Joel and Amanda will speak at a number of events to amplify the voices of those affected by the refugee crisis and human rights abuses.
Emma Cherniavsky, the UK Chief Executive of the UNHCR, said: “It’s enormously important to hear from people like Joel and Amanda as sadly, too many LGBTQIA people around the world face persecution, discrimination and violence. We are so grateful to be one of the charities they are supporting through this incredible effort.”
Supporters can track Joel and Amanda’s progress across social media channels with the hashtags #TwoRefugeesWalking and #ThisRefugeeCan.
You can donate here: givestar.io/gs/backward-is-my-reality
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