By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

In a recent interview, Christopher Nkambwe, Executive Director of The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada, and Siu Mee Cheng, Executive Director of Street Haven, unveiled an ambitious new project proposal. The proposal aims to develop Toronto's first LGBTQ+ Black-led shelter for African refugees.

Located near the intersection of Dundas and Sherbourne Streets, Street Haven, Canada’s oldest shelter for women, will collaborate on this groundbreaking initiative. The shelter will be the first dedicated space for LGBTQ+ Black community members, addressing a critical gap in Toronto's support services. Nkambwe and Cheng emphasized the importance of a gender-based approach to meet the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

The LGBTQ+ African refugee community often faces severe stigma, violence, and mental health challenges. Many arrive from countries like Ghana and Uganda, where homosexuality is criminalized, leading to imprisonment and familial rejection.

The proposal, set to be reviewed by the City of Toronto’s Economic and Development Committee, aims to secure dedicated funds and commitment to support small agencies like Street Haven. The project underscores the importance of investing in services for marginalized communities, ensuring they are not left behind.

As more refugees continue to arrive in Canada, this community-led initiative represents a beacon of hope and a significant stride towards addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ African refugees in Toronto's Downtown East and Regent Park areas.