Danika’s Story

June 18, 2025

Being in a space that’s fully queer was totally new to me,” says Danika, a volunteer and former participant of our New to Canada program. “Back home I knew people here and there who were queer, but it would have been a secret.”

Danika came to Canada from Barbados in January 2023 and sought the services of The 519 to help with her refugee status claim. She’s since found work and thankfully her process with her immigration lawyers has been smooth.

“We took part in Walk with Pride last year, which was my first time walking in the Pride Parade,” she says. “I had such a beautiful time. The vibes are immaculate, I usually drum back home at Carnival, and Pride gave me that same uplifting feeling.”

In 2024 Danika volunteered at Green Space Festival’s Starry Night. “Back home I wasn’t active in the community because it wasn’t safe, but now I feel more comfortable where I am, and confident with who I am,” Danika says. “I should be able to put that energy back out there.”

“My partner and I decided that every year we are going to volunteer at The 519, even just for a day or two,” Danika says. “They’ve been so helpful. It feels like community, and that’s important to me now.”

This is the cycle of growth: Build people up to get through tough things like settlement, housing issues, or school bullying, and they find belonging. They then turn around and nurture those around them, who can become the loving community they’re meant to be. Build, belong, become.

To help more LGBTQ+ refugees access the safety to be themselves, donate to The 519 at The519.org/donate