Meet the man who’s a beacon of hope for LGBTIQ+ refugees in Chicago
Meet the man who’s a beacon of hope for LGBTIQ+ refugees in Chicago
As he waited for the World Refugee Day rally to begin in downtown Chicago, Emma Yaaka radiated an air of optimism. Exchanging warm greetings with the diverse crowd gathering at Daley Plaza for the annual Power of Refugees celebration, he and his fellow organizers stood out in green World Refugee Day t-shirts. Their goal united them: welcome and advocate for refugees in the area.
Originally from Uganda, Emma fled his home country due to persecution based on his sexual orientation. His journey from Uganda to Nairobi and eventually to Chicago is marked by resilience and an unwavering desire to make a difference.
When reflecting on his advocacy work, Emma emphasized the profound impact that speaking out and taking action can have. "Every time I raise my voice, it creates a positive ripple effect. Every time I strive and succeed, it becomes a tale of inspiration. Even when I encounter setbacks and failures, it becomes a story of unwavering advocacy," he said.
During his time in Kenya, Emma refused to be a passive observer of the challenges refugees face. Drawing from his experiences in the healthcare field, he actively worked to address shortcomings in medical services for refugees who resided in nearby refugee camps. "Being in Kenya, I wasn't just sitting down there waiting," Emma recounts. "I was doing a lot of work. I saw a lot of gaps." When he witnessed how LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer) refugees were impacted by various risks to their safety and protection, including discrimination, violence and abuse, Emma volunteered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide support to this vulnerable refugee community.
Emma Yaaka, a co-chair of the 2023 World Refugee Day celebrations in Chicago, attends the Power of Refugee’s rally downtown. © UNHCR/Jeoffrey Guillemard
Every time I raise my voice, it creates a positive ripple effect.
When he was resettled in the United States, Emma confronted limited employment opportunities due to experience and education requirements. “I really wanted to keep doing what I was doing in Kenya because I'm really good at that,” Emma reflected. “I decided to do cleaning for six months. Eventually, the hospital hired me as a lab assistant."
Emma's passion for helping others led him to Heartland Alliance, an organization dedicated to providing health care services to refugees. He secured a position as a medical case manager, offering vital support to newly resettled refugees in Chicago. His responsibilities include accompanying them to their medical appointments, scheduling their visits, and advocating for language access in hospitals.
In Chicago, Emma further championed the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. He established a virtual support group, uniting over 200 LGBTIQ+ refugees from all corners of the globe. This online sanctuary serves as a platform for education, engagement and mutual support. Emma also founded an in-person group named "Men to Men," where members convene weekly to share personal narratives and experiences, fostering an environment of collective learning and personal growth.
Emma Yaaka with his fellow co-organizers of World Refugee Day celebration in Chicago. © UNHCR/Jeoffrey Guillemard
Emma's unwavering commitment to advocating for refugees and the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community serves as a testament to his remarkable resilience and compassion. Despite the challenges he has faced, he continues to make a difference in the lives of those around him, showcasing the enduring impact and power welcoming refugees can have in Chicago and throughout the United States.