Immigration Equality and Brooklyn Community Pride Center Launch LGBTQ New Americans Project

Oral History Project Documents Lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Immigrants Living in New York City

New York, NY - September 27, 2016 -- Today, Immigration Equality and the Brooklyn Community Pride Center will launch the LGBTQ New Americans Project, featuring audio and video oral histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer immigrants living in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.

Through extended conversation, the project records the unique experiences of LGBTQ immigrants in their own words. Topics and themes include experiences in their country of origin, family life, career, love, sexuality, gender identity, race, the immigration experience, and much more.

"Blatant racism and xenophobia have been rampant during this election cycle. This project is a response to that grossly inaccurate depiction of this country. The New Americans Project shares the true personal stories of queer immigrants from around the world building a life in the U.S. The participants are teachers, community organizers, and advocates. They are truly inspiring members of our community," said Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality.

"The LGBTQ New Americans Project is an antidote to the hateful, one dimensional rhetoric we're hearing these days. The inaugural stories of seven immigrants live online for all to hear – connecting us as people. Ours is a nation, city, and borough of immigrants and we welcome them with open arms, many of whom have escaped oppression in their country of origin for simply being themselves." said Floyd Rumohr, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Community Pride Center.

Each oral history was recorded in its entirety in either audio only or video/audio format. Each interview is available in its entirety along with a series or shorter videos on YouTube here.

The LGBTQ New Americans project is possible thanks to support and funding from New York City Council Member Brad Lander and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Cinematography by Rebecca Centeno; interviews conducted by Wilfredo Hernandez, Arts & Culture Group Leader at Brooklyn Community Pride Center and Jackie Yodashkin, Communications Director at Immigration Equality.

For more information, visit www.immigrationequality.org/lgbtq-new-americans-project and www.http://lgbtbrooklyn.org/lgbtq-new-americans-project/.

Immigration Equality is the nation's leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization. We represent and advocate for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse, and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. Our legal team has won asylum for hundreds of LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants while maintaining a 99% success rate.

The Brooklyn Community Pride Center is the only LGBT+ center in the borough. We provide services and support to Brooklyn's LGBT+ community through original programming and partnerships with existing organizations.