At the origins of le Refuge.
In 2017, onder impuls van Ali Deberkale, voorzitter van de vzw Midnimo, en Dimitri Verdonck, voorzitter van de vzw ACP, krijgt het project eindelijk vorm. Midnimo legt contact met de Franse organisatie Le Refuge en andere soortgelijke organisaties in Europa. In november 2017 verleent de Stad Brussel haar eerste financiering, wat het begin markeert van een groot avontuur.
It is with just one apartment and a handful of determined volunteers that le Refuge is launched, driven by the urgency to act in the face of the invisibility of rejected LGBTQIA+ youth. A concrete, activist response, born from solidarity.
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A shelter for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers
Since its establishment, le Refuge has welcomed numerous LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking asylum, often facing situations of discrimination, violence, and exclusion in official reception centres. Confronted with the constant increase in applications and the need to provide more specific support, a structure entirely dedicated to their reception has emerged: the CADAL.
The CADAL (Centre for the Reception and Support of LGBTQIA+ Asylum Seekers) offers a secure and inclusive refuge, as well as psychosocial, legal, and medical support tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking international protection. Its aim is to promote their well-being and integration by providing a space where they can rebuild themselves in a caring and respectful environment for their identity.
Who can be welcomed at CADAL?
To ensure an appropriate welcome, CADAL establishes clear admission criteria:
- To have a designation from Fedasil.
- Being an LGBTQIA+ person seeking asylum.
- To be confronted with discrimination, exclusion or violence.
- To have a mental health compatible with community life.
- Accept the internal regulations and the community life project.
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Our godfather Lukas Dhont.
I discovered the organisation le Refuge in France during the release of my first feature film, Girl. Shortly after, I learned in the press that apartments had also been opened in Brussels. The desire to contribute to this project was immediate. I therefore contacted Dimitri and Ali to ask how I could get involved.
The Refuge represents a new chance for many young LGBTQIA+ individuals. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where my sexuality was never an issue. But for many of these young people, the reality is very different. I find it essential to remind that sexual orientation and gender identity remain topics that are sometimes difficult, even taboo.
Creativity has always been an important pillar in my own quest for identity. That is why I launched the 'Culture Club', an initiative where I regularly shared cultural activities with the young people at the Refuge. Together, we discovered opera, attended concerts, and visited exhibitions. We also explored the Brussels Theatre Festival, organised photography workshops, and put together a collective exhibition featuring their creations "Everything is Possible."
In this way, I hope that these young people, thanks to the creativity of others, will reflect on the possibilities of transforming what concerns them into something valuable. And who knows, perhaps they will represent something for the next generation.
photo © European Union 2023– Source: EP
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, a committed supporter of the Refuge.
The Belgian-Moroccan dancer and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui lends his support to the missions of the Refuge. An internationally renowned artist, he has always drawn inspiration from themes of identity, diversity, and dialogue between cultures. His commitment alongside the Refuge aligns with this same desire to highlight those whose voices still struggle to be heard.
“In this time when the acceptance of diversity is more crucial than ever, I want to express my full support for the Refuge,” he states. “Every individual deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their nationality or gender expression. My life journey has not always been easy, but I have been able to rely on the love and support of a caring environment. Others do not have that chance, and I am well aware of that. Through this collaboration with the Refuge, I can help provide a safe space for young LGBTQIA+ individuals and raise public awareness of their reality.”
Through his creations, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui often explores the notions of marginality and resilience. His performance “Ihsane” is an ode to identity and cultural heritage, themes that resonate particularly with the mission of the Refuge.
