We envision a world where Black LGBTQ+ people are not forced to leave their home and live free from stigma and discrimination, enjoy equal opportunities, and thrive in an inclusive, affirming, and supportive environment.

The purpose/goal of Black Diaspora Liberty Initiative (BDLI)  is to provide compassionate support, advocacy, and resources for Black LGBTQ+  immigrants who have been displaced from their home countries due to persecution, discrimination, or violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, while working towards uniting the Black LGBTQ+ communities in the diaspora.

The Black Diaspora Liberty Initiative (BDLI) began with our founder Uchechukwu Onwa, who experienced multiple persecution in his home country Nigeria for being gay. Growing up in a conservative and homophobic society where being LGBQ+ was criminalized with 14 years prison terms was never easy.

Uche’s advocacy began at the age of 15 when his childhood friend was raped by homophobic mob for perceived homosexuality, few months after the rape he tested HIV+ and as a result committed suicide, Uche was filled with so much rage for loosing his best friend and feared for his life, the quest for justice for his friend and his safety somehow led him to the path of advocacy for other LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, Uche faced multiple persecution, mob attacks, discrimination, violence, and even death threats from his community.

Despite the dangers, Uche knew he could not continue living in Nigeria and decided to flee his home country in search of a better life. On his arrival at Hartsfield International Airport, he was detained at the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) for three horrible months, even though he had a valid US visa. In ICE detention Uche experienced dehumanizing conditions including being shacked to a hospital bed and life-threatening events as a result of being denied medical treatments, mental and emotional anguish leading to suicide attempts, and no subsequent access to mental health services.

However, after his release from detention Uche soon realized that the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ immigrants did not end with finding a safe haven. Many LGBTQ+ immigrants, like himself, struggled to navigate the complex legal system, face discrimination in employment and housing, and cope with the trauma of leaving behind their families and communities.

Determined to make a difference, Uche decided to create an organization that would support and empower Black LGBTQ+ immigrants in the US. He gathered a group of like-minded individuals (the advisory board) who shared his vision and together they guided him into establishing BDLI, to provide resources, advocate for, and to foster a sense of community for Black LGBTQ+ immigrants like himself.

Through his hard work and dedication, BDLI would/has grown to become a beacon of hope for Black LGBTQ+ immigrants, offering support and empowerment to those who have faced persecution in their home countries. Uche's experiences of persecution have fueled his passion for helping others like himself, and his courage and resilience continue to inspire us all to create a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBTQ+ immigrants everywhere.