Stonewall Convention & Queer Awards 2022

What a deep honour it was for JHC to attend the Stonewall Queer Awards hosted by RaricaNow at the Muttart Conservatory on October 29, 2022. It was a beautiful evening of celebration, advocacy and a call for continued action and support. So many wonderful organizations and individuals were present that continue to stand up for the Queer community and 2STQLGB+ rights. Together, there can be change. Together, there can be equality, harmony, and peace for all to live their lives unapologetically as themselves.

Our host, Adebayo Katiiti, founder of RARICANow, is a Ugandan born multi-talented activist, advocate, musician, song writer and a national athlete. He is the founder of RARICANow, a non-profit Black-led organization established in 2017 to promote human rights for Black 2STQLGB+ individuals. They provide services to address black immigrant, 2STLGB+ refugee and newcomers needs and promote community issues, challenges, and success while focusing on rectifying the Black 2STQLGB+ community struggles through social, economic and cultural means.Their vision is to live in a world where all 2STQLGB+ individuals have support, feel safe, empowered and dignified. 

Adebayo came to Edmonton, Canada in August 2016 for the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) swimming competition, and sought asylum in Canada following the traumatizing events after Uganda police raided the 2016 Uganda Gay Pride Gala pageant. As the reigning Mr. Gay Pride Uganda of 2015 he was among the activists who were arrested, beaten and stripped to check his gender. Since settling in Edmonton, Adebayo has dedicated himself to helping newcomers like himself navigate the labyrinth refugee process and access services and basic needs. His guiding principle is putting humanity first before ego. During the Stonewall Awards, Adebayo shared his music that conveys messages of strength, unity, love and calls for change and action. Check out his music at: KATIITI ARTS.