Hey friends —
Welcome to My Website.
I am the founder and Executive Director of Refuge America, a non-profit organization dedicated to the vision of “Strengthening America as a place of welcome for displaced LGBTQ people.
Edafe Okporo is the author of the compelling book "ASYLUM: A Memoir and Manifesto
“In his insightful memoir, “Asylum,” the Nigerian refugee and activist Edafe Okporo paints a disturbing picture of exactly how dangerous being gay in Nigeria can be… a disquieting account that humanizes a nameless, faceless multitude entangled in an issue with no clear end in sight.” - NYTimes.
The New York Times Review - Guilty Until Proven Innocent: A Gay Refugee’s Confrontation With America
Edafe Okporo is the author of the compelling book "ASYLUM: A Memoir and Manifesto," and founder of Refuge America. He brings a deep personal commitment to his work with refugees. Born in Nigeria, Edafe faced the harsh reality of persecution and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in his homeland. Seeking safety and freedom, he sought refuge in the United States, where he has become a passionate advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and refugees. Edafe's personal experiences as a refugee and his unwavering commitment to equality and justice have made him a prominent voice in the fight for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Through his writing and activism, he continues to inspire and drive positive change.
With a bachelor's degree from Enugu State University and a master's degree in HR Management from NYU, Edafe is an accomplished Inclusion and Diversity, Talent & Organization, and Change Transformation Leader. Based in New York City.
SELECTED PRESS & MEDIA
My career has been extremely rewarding, and here are some writings, audio and video clippings.
Interviews
NBC News - Nigerian refugee creates N.Y.C. shelter for asylum-seekers
The Nation Magazine - ‘They Had Found Out That I Am Gay, and They Were Going to Kill Me’
Fast Company - This housing advocate fled violence in Nigeria. Now he wants to end homelessness in America
Attitude Magazine - 'Gay people have always existed in Africa - it’s time for us to start telling our stories’
Op-ed
Buzzfeed News - "I Won't Stop Fighting": Queer Immigrants Talk Life In The US Under Trump
The Advocate Magazine - This Gay Nigerian Has a Message for World Refugee Day
Radio and Podcast
NPR The Takeaway - “I was just looking for safety”: Applying for asylum in America
LGBTQ&A - Edafe Okporo - To be gay in Nigeria
Video
NowThis - Asylee Edafe Okporo Helps Others At Harlem Refugee Shelter
NBC Lx - How Covid-19 has impacted the global refugee crisis
Contact
Speaking Engagements and INQUIRES
Represented by The Harry Walker Agency, Contact agency link
Literary Agency
Represented by Writers House
Contact Agent: Daniel Lanzar