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# SafePlace International

## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://safeplaceinternational.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [‘They want to erase us’](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/31/they-want-to-erase-us/): Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on Saturday took part in Cape Town's annual Gay Pride parade. The parade was an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its place as one of the rare African countries to recognise LGBT+ rights. "I am here because I am me," said Bonus Ndlovu, 48, a gay man who was married in December and was part of a group of fellow Christians who support LGBT+ rights.
- [Offtrack: The Long Road to Asylum for LGBTQ Refugees in Greece](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/31/offtrack-the-long-road-to-asylum-for-lgbtq-refugees-in-greece/): Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on Saturday took part in Cape Town's annual Gay Pride parade. The parade was an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its place as one of the rare African countries to recognise LGBT+ rights. "I am here because I am me," said Bonus Ndlovu, 48, a gay man who was married in December and was part of a group of fellow Christians who support LGBT+ rights.
- [Natural Beauty Salon](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/natural-beauty-salon/): Treasure Nabakiibi, a queer refugee residing in Nairobi, Kenya, envisions a beauty salon as more than just a place for aesthetic enhancement. With a fervent commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly queer mothers, Treasure aims to establish a sanctuary where empowerment and inclusivity flourish.
- [Delight Beauty Parlor](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/delight-beauty-parlor/): Raymond Majuni and Nsereko Marvin's social impact project aims to establish a beauty salon in Rongai, Nairobi, Kenya, offering a range of hairdressing and beauty services. The project seeks to address multiple community needs by providing employment opportunities, increasing self-sufficiency, and offering skills training and the beauty salon will generate job opportunities for the local youth and marginalized communities, contributing to economic growth and stability in the area.
- [Nox Kitchen & Caterers](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/nox-kitchen-caterers/): NOKS KITCHEN AND CATERERS is a budding enterprise born out of a passion for serving the community, particularly focusing on supporting parents and children within the LGBTIQ community. Founded post-graduation from TDA, its primary objective is to achieve sustainable growth and profitability to continue aiding this marginalized demographic. Initially serving the homeless near Durban's beaches and the communities.
- [Deal with Mental Health Creatively](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/deal-with-mental-health-creatively/): Jonathan, a compassionate and driven individual, leads a groundbreaking mental health initiative in Kenya aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, particularly queer individuals and refugees. Through a unique blend of creative arts including music, stand-up comedy, storytelling, and poetry, Jonathan's programs raise awareness, provide education, and offer crucial support on topics such as suicide prevention, self-harm, and isolation. The program strives to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues within marginalized communities, challenging stigmas and misconceptions.
- [Rocky Classy Modeling & Talent Agency](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/rocky-classy-modeling-talent-agency/): Fatima Lerato Kebonye dreams and passion intertwine with their mission to support the youth battling drug and alcohol addiction by focussing on rehabilitation,empowerment, and sustainability and holistic approach that goes beyond conventional treatment methods. Fatima is a beacon of selflessness with unwavering dedication, tirelessly serves her community embodying compassion and empathy in every action.They aim to establish the Rocky Classy Modelling & Talent Agency in Francistown, Botswana seeking to uplift youth from the streets, discover their talents, and combat alcohol and drug addiction, with a special focus on inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- [Breaking the Mold](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/breaking-the-mold/): Emmanuel Israel, a graduate of The Dream Academy from Nigeria, is the driving force behind "Breaking the Mold," a passion project aimed at leveraging short films for media advocacy. His initiative seeks to illuminate the struggles encountered by sexual and gender minorities, driven by his personal experiences of stigma, discrimination, and violations. Emmanuel's deep-seated commitment to raising awareness, fostering empathy, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights propels his endeavor.
- [Trans Guardian Alliance (TGA)](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/trans-guardian-alliance-tga/): Donwell Mpofu's passion project is an NPO committed to offering extensive assistance and resources for transgender and intersex parents. Through outreach via social media campaigns, community events, engagement with healthcare providers, legal professionals, and mental health services, the project aims to provide holistic support. Donwell's dedication and character drive this initiative, rooted in his expertise in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, family law, mental health, and community support.
- [Being Us](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/08/09/being-us/): Bennedette Mukova, a dedicated producer and production manager in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, embarked on a groundbreaking passion project aimed at amplifying the voices and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a deep commitment to social justice and storytelling, Bennedette leads a team to create and stage original queer plays that delve into the multifaceted aspects of LGBTQIA+ experiences, shedding light on both the struggles and triumphs of individuals within the community.
- [](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/07/11/2180/)
- [](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/06/04/1218/): SafePlace is coming to NYC! Join us on June 5 for an exclusive dinner with Gabrielle Hamilton at PRUNE and June 6 at Ki Smith Gallery with spinning by Public Enemy co-founder Keith Shocklee! Reserve your spot today!
- [Cape Town Gay Pride Shows Solidarity With Africa’s Persecuted](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/03/01/cape-town-gay-pride-shows-solidarity-with-africas-persecuted/): Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on Saturday took part in Cape Town's annual Gay Pride parade. The parade was an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its place as one of the rare African countries to recognise LGBT+ rights. "I am here because I am me," said Bonus Ndlovu, 48, a gay man who was married in December and was part of a group of fellow Christians who support LGBT+ rights.
- [Snapshot: Singing for those who can’t](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/03/01/snapshot-singing-for-those-who-cant/): I moved to South Africa in 2007, after I was shunned by my community and family back in Zimbabwe because of my sexual orientation. In 2016, I created a group that would serve us as the migrant refugee community, especially seeing as we did not know much about South African organisations we could turn to for assistance. We decided to call the group Pachedu, which is a Shona word, meaning ‘by us, with us’. I registered Pachedu as a non-profit organisation in 2023. This allowed us to provide food, shelter, and clothing to hundreds of refugees.
- [Report Finds NGO Advocacy Positively Affects LGBT Protections](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2024/01/01/report-finds-ngo-advocacy-positively-affects-lgbt-protections/): Countries rarely succeed in establishing legislative protections for LGBT people without the existence and visibility of LGBT advocacy organizations, according to a new study commissioned by the Arcus Foundation as part of a review of its Social Justice Program strategy. The report, Measuring the Impact of LGBT Advocacy on LGBT Protections: 2011-2020, found evidence during the 10-year period that the existence, visibility, and advocacy of LGBT nongovernmental organizations positively affected the adoption of LGBT human rights protections in as many as 45 countries in four regions of the world
- [Beyond Borders: LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers in SA](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2023/11/01/beyond-borders-lgbtq-asylum-seekers-in-sa/): South Africa is often celebrated for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly as the first African nation to extend refugee protection to the LGBTQ+ community. However, the promise of freedom for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the Rainbow Nation has yet to fully materialise. A recent study has shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and migrants in South Africa, making an important contribution to our understanding of this under-researched and diverse population.
- [‘What am I leaving behind?’: Queer Ugandans on the run from anti-homosexuality law speak out](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2023/11/01/what-am-i-leaving-behind-queer-ugandans-on-the-run-from-anti-homosexuality-law-speak-out/): The situation is “worse than it has ever been” for LGBTQ+ Ugandans, but those who flee the country face discrimination elsewhere. (Getty Images/Supplied) When he made the tough choice to flee Uganda, in the wake of the country’s draconian anti-LGBTQ+ law being passed, activist Henry Mukiibi thought: “What have I left behind?”
- [Khumbulani Pride celebrates 10 years of empowering LGBTQIA+ community in townships](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2023/06/01/khumbulani-pride-celebrates-10-years-of-empowering-lgbtqia-community-in-townships/): Members of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others (LGBTQIA+) community from various organisations in the Metro marked the 10th anniversary of Khumbulani Pride on Saturday 20 May. They gathered near Harare Police Station to celebrate the event before marching to Seek Lounge in Ilitha Park for the day’s proceedings.
- [LGBTIQ+ migrants and asylum seekers in South Africa: major new study identifies a diverse, wide-spread community](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2023/03/01/lgbtiq-migrants-and-asylum-seekers-in-south-africa-major-new-study-identifies-a-diverse-wide-spread-community/): Since 1998, South Africa has recognised persecution based on gender and sexuality as legitimate grounds for asylum. This makes it the only African country to formally extend refugee protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) persons. However, as research shows, the promise of freedom contained in its Refugees Act is yet to materialise for LGBTI+ people.
- [South African LGBTQ+ activists march against Uganda’s anti-gay law](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2023/03/01/south-african-lgbtq-activists-march-against-ugandas-anti-gay-law/): Demonstrators marched in South Africa's Cape Town this Friday against Uganda's draconian anti-gay law put in place last week. The proposed law, known as the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, is ready to be sent to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is facing calls from the United Nations and the United States to reject it.
- [Nyasha Zhakata – Global Director, The Dream Academy](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2022/10/01/nyasha-zhakata-global-director-the-dream-academy/): LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers are at a unique intersection of identity/ They have to face both xenophobia for their migrant status and prejudice for their sexual orientation or gender identity. In approximately 70 countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, oppressive government policies and legislation often criminalize same-sex relationships. Negative religious and societal beliefs also cause it. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals flee their countries, searching for a safe place to call home.
- [Safe Place International to take National Coming Out Day global](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2022/10/01/safe-place-international-to-take-national-coming-out-day-global/): Safe Place International is a holistic leadership development organization for displaced LGBTQIA+ individuals. As the lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community are often trivialized and overlooked, we endeavor to create pathways for a sustainable and fulfilled life that celebrates the unique qualities that their lives hold. LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers are at a unique intersection of identity, where they have to face both xenophobia for their migrant status and prejudice for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In approximately 70 countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is caused by oppressive government policies and legislation that criminalizes same-sex relationships. It is also caused by negative religious and societal beliefs. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals flee their countries and families in search of a safe place to call their home.
- [How one Bay Area dad is saving hundreds of LGBTQ+ refugees from hostile regions around the world](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2022/04/01/how-one-bay-area-dad-is-saving-hundreds-of-lgbtq-refugees-from-hostile-regions-around-the-world/): KGO (KGO) - Safe Place International, a nonprofit organization started by Bay Area dad, Justin Hilton, is currently sheltering over 400 LGBTQIA+ refugees, many of them transgender. He says International Trans Day of Visibility helps bring awareness to the challenges trans people face globally.
- [A safe place for LGBTQI+ refugees in Athens](https://safeplaceinternational.org/2019/06/01/a-safe-place-for-lgbtqi-refugees-in-athens/): Many refugees and asylum seekers can face discrimination, even on arrival in Europe. For members of the LGBTQI+ community, the threat of violence and discrimination can be even more pronounced. That’s why a project in Greece has been working to create a safe place for LGBTQI+ people in the heart of Athens.

## Pages
- [Careers](https://safeplaceinternational.org/careers/): Many refugees and asylum seekers can face discrimination, even on arrival in Europe. For members of the LGBTQI+ community, the threat of violence a...
- [Home](https://safeplaceinternational.org/)
- [Video library](https://safeplaceinternational.org/video-library/)
- [Global Family Initiative](https://safeplaceinternational.org/global-family-initiative/)
- [Get involved](https://safeplaceinternational.org/get-involved/)
- [In the News](https://safeplaceinternational.org/in-the-news/): ‘They want to erase us’August, 2024Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on ...Read MoreOfftrack: The Long Road to Asylum for LGBTQ Refugees in GreeceAugust, 2024Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on ...Read MoreCape Town Gay Pride Shows Solidarity With Africa’s PersecutedMarch, 2024Led by motorcycle riders draped in rainbow colours and dressed in multicolour costumes, more than 3,000 people on ...Read MoreSnapshot: Singing for those who can’tMarch, 2024I moved to South Africa in 2007, after I was shunned by my community and family back in Zimbabwe because of my ...Read MoreReport Finds NGO Advocacy Positively Affects LGBT ProtectionsJanuary, 2024Countries rarely succeed in establishing legislative protections for LGBT people without the existence and ...Read MoreBeyond Borders: LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers in SANovember, 2023South Africa is often celebrated for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly as the first African ...Read More‘What am I leaving behind?’: Queer Ugandans on the run from anti-homosexuality law speak outNovember, 2023The situation is “worse than it has ever been” for LGBTQ+ Ugandans, but those who flee the country face ...Read MoreKhumbulani Pride celebrates 10 years of empowering LGBTQIA+ community in townshipsJune, 2023Members of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others (LGBTQIA+) community from various ...Read MoreLGBTIQ+ migrants and asylum seekers in South Africa: major new study identifies a diverse, wide-spread communityMarch, 2023Since 1998, South Africa has recognised persecution based on gender and sexuality as legitimate grounds for ...Read MoreSouth African LGBTQ+ activists march against Uganda’s anti-gay lawMarch, 2023Demonstrators marched in South Africa's Cape Town this Friday against Uganda's draconian anti-gay law put in place ...Read MoreNyasha Zhakata – Global Director, The Dream AcademyOctober, 2022LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers are at a unique intersection of identity/ They have to face both xenophobia ...Read MoreSafe Place International to take National Coming Out Day globalOctober, 2022Safe Place International is a holistic leadership development organization for displaced LGBTQIA+ individuals. As ...Read MoreNo results found.
- [The Dream Academy](https://safeplaceinternational.org/the-dream-academy/)
- [Partnerships](https://safeplaceinternational.org/partnerships/): Some text here
- [Meet the Team](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team/)
- [Our Programs](https://safeplaceinternational.org/our-programs/)
- [About Us](https://safeplaceinternational.org/about-us/)
- [Privacy policy](https://safeplaceinternational.org/privacy-policy/)

## Impact Stories
- [Echoes of Resilience: Sulah’s Triumph](https://safeplaceinternational.org/impact_story/impact-story-3/): Sulah Mawejje's formative years in Uganda were difficult, as a young man who didn’t “seem” quite like the others. He endured physical bullying and taunting, and much of that abuse came from his family and close friends, leading to a feeling of self-alienation. It was not an easy path, but it was not unlike that of many young queer people in Uganda, both then and now. In 2016, after increased persecution and abuse, he was compelled to leave everything behind and seek safety in Kenya, marking the beginning of a chapter that would change Sulah’s life and many of those around him.
- [Finding the freedom to be herself](https://safeplaceinternational.org/impact_story/finding-the-freedom-to-be-herself/): When Lambert fled her home country of Cameroon in 2018, she was just looking for a country to live freely and without fear as an LGBTQ person.
- [Masi Zhakata: Nurturing the leader within](https://safeplaceinternational.org/impact_story/masi-zhakata-nurturing-the-leader-within/): Masi Zhakata is a lesbian mother living in Cape Town, South Africa. Their story begins in Zimbabwe, when their family discovered their sexuality. After several members of their family tried to “fix” them with a process known as corrective rape, they forced them to marry a man. They became a wife and had a child, but the constant abuse and correction continued, and they knew they couldn’t survive it much longer.

## Team Members
- [Lule Demmissie](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/lule-demmissie/): Lule Demmissie is seasoned business leader and operator. In addition to serving on the Safeplace International board, she serves on the INX Advisory board, a leading tokenization innovator in the blockchain and Defi space. Lule served as US CEO and US Board Member of eToro, the world's leading social investing platform. She led the strategic business vision for all of eToro’s American operations while building a customer-centric platform. Prior to eToro, Lule served as the President of Ally Invest, as Managing Director of Investment Products & Digital Guidance at TD Ameritrade, and with leading investment firms such as Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, and Merrill Lynch. A fintech executive possessing intersectional identities, Lule offers needed and underrepresented perspectives on investment challenges facing a variety of communities. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Smith College, an M.B.A from Columbia Business School, a CIMA designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and the 7, 66 and 24 securities licenses. Lule’s other passions are song writing, singing and writing fiction.
- [Preffered Name: Tom Lephojane](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/tom-lephojane/): Nokuthula Gumede is a caregiver, Leader and counselor. She is a mental health professional with years of experience, and also a community server.
- [Preferred Names: Bev Dhliwayo](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/preferred-names-bev-dhliwayo/): A voice for parents and single moms and extending my love and support to marginalized refugees in South Africa and beyond.Lets connect!
- [Preferred Name: Ethan Chigwada](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/preferred-name-ethan-chigwada/): helping others motivates me in life because it lead to real and lasting change
- [Preferred Name: Gracious Ssekono](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/preferred-name-gracious-ssekono/)
- [Nokuthula Gumede](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/nokuthula-gumede/)
- [Kiggundu Pius Kennedy](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/kiggundu-pius-kennedy/)
- [Scott Shaka](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/scott-shaka/)
- [Rachael LeClear](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/rachael-leclear/)
- [Owen Harris](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/owen-harris/): Owen Harris is one of the co-founders of SafePlace International and has served as its first Director of Operations. After working at the shelters in Turkey and Greece, he returned to the United States to pursue a Masters Degree. Harris currently works as a Public Diplomacy Officer with the U.S. Department of State in Algeria, while also serving as the Board Secretary at SafePlace International.
- [Sarah Summerall](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/sarah-summerall/): Sarah Summerall is the founder of Summerall Law, End Probate, and Essential Estates - all businesses focused on keeping more money with families on the passing of a loved one. She is a lawyer who has been practicing estate planning for 15 years, since she graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law and completed her undergraduate degree in Finance at the University of Utah. Summerall Law's community initiatives focus on helping underserved communities in California and has a free Special Needs Trust program to help families who have disabled children put plans in place to enable friends and family to care for their disabled family members after they pass. EndProbate is focused on keeping more money in African-American families by providing a free process to avoid probate. Summerall has been advising SafePlace International’s founder Justin Hilton since he started the organization in 2017 and lives in San Francisco, California.
- [Marnie Webb](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/marnie-webb/): Marnie Webb is the Chief Community Impact Officer for TechSoup and leads Caravan Studios, a division of TechSoup. In her role, she works with communities around the world to describe the desired impact and to develop technology solutions that help them move towards that impact. Her work is influenced by human centered design principles, as well as methodologies from social work and international development, such as Participatory Action Research. She has been working with civil society, governments, academia, and corporations for more than 30 years to put together teams and solutions that can accomplish big goals, with and for communities. She's passionate about protecting the rights of humans to live the lives they want to live, safely, freely, with love and in a spirit of abundance.
- [Brandon Riker](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/brandon-riker/): Brandon Riker has a diverse background in finance, politics, and philanthropy. Since 2017, he has served on Washington College's Board of Visitors and Governors as a member of the Advancement and Enrollment Committees. He previously served in senior roles at financial services organizations, including ProShares and Teucrium Trading. Riker has also held significant roles in the highest profile Democratic campaigns, including senior positions on President Obama's 2008 primary and general election campaigns. In addition to a degree in economics from Washington College, Riker holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
- [Maggie Lower](https://safeplaceinternational.org/team_member/maggie-lower/): Maggie Lower is a seasoned modern marketer with more than two decades of executive leadership experience. Most recently, as CMO at Hootsuite, Lower drove global brand success with a multi-award winning global rebrand. She has also led marketing, sales and customer teams at leading brands including Cision, TrueBlue, Aon Hewitt, and Bank of America. As Board Director at Grindr, she was part of the team that helped to take Grindr public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2022. Lower mentors in the U.S. Marketing Academy, fostering diverse talent and LGBTQ+ leadership. She has also been honored as one of AdWeek’s 20 Global PrideStars and is a member of the McKinsey Alliance, an LGBTQ+ executive forum. Lower was recently recognized for the sixth consecutive year by Involve and YouTube on their Outstanding Top 100 LGBT+ Global Executives List, honoring LGBTQ+ executives, future leaders, and allies across global organizations for their work in driving global change; this is her third year in a row in the Top 20. Lower received a BA in History from Hamilton College and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.