AfroYanga 2024

AfroYanga, (meaning “African Pride,”) was hosted by Living Free UK as an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ African diaspora. Held at Rich Mix in London on Saturday the 19th of October of 2024 for its third year, the event welcomed over 250 attendees, including migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and allies. This transformative day of connection, empowerment, and celebration aimed to provide a platform for self-expression and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

Black LGBTQ+ people across the UK have a wide and diverse experience of what it means to navigate life, work and relationships with an active intention to affirm one’s identity against discrimination and bias. This is more so when it comes to Black LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants and the isolating experience that comes with finding your foot in a new environment.

Much like the theme for our event (Unity in diversity: Embracing our essence), we aimed to shift the focus of multiple underrepresented experiences from what can be seen as the cause of social isolation to the root of a collective strength. We provided beneficiaries a unique opportunity to stay present, connect and network whilst actively celebrating our success stories.

AfroYanga featured Networking Fair, Keynote speeches, Workshops/Panel Discussion, Creative sessions, and a ballroom show that allowed attendees to embrace their identities and celebrate African pride in a safe, inclusive space.

Thank you to our sponsors UK Black Pride, LGBT Consortium and the National Lottery.

To sponsor/support AfroYanga 2025, please email projects@livingfreeuk.org

Download AfroYanga 2024 Impact Report
Watch Afroyanga 2024 on YouTube
More AfroYanga 2024 Photos on Instagram