We Are Lighthouse Equality Advocacy Project
Lighthouse Equality Advocacy Project
The Lighthouse Equality Advocacy Project was founded from personal experiences of injustice and a strong belief in community and equity. Emerging in New York City in 2022, LEAP was born from the urgent need to provide comprehensive support to Black LGBTQI+ immigrants at high risk of discrimination and violence. Our involvement with these underserved populations spans nearly three years, with different team members bringing in years of individual experience. The organization was established to respond to the realities faced by immigrant populations, especially Black LGBTQI+ individuals who face structural violence and legal challenges that compromise their safety and well-being.
Lighthouse understands the unique challenges Black LGBTQI+ immigrants face as they navigate life in the United States. We strive to address the gaps left by insufficient support systems, creating a sanctuary where every voice is valued, and every struggle is recognized. At its heart, Lighthouse is dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices, offering hope to those in distress, and supporting individuals on their journey toward a future built on dignity, pride, and equality.
Our Mission
Championing the rights of Black LGBTQI+ immigrants, both detained and post-release in New York State. We aim to provide know your rights education, care support, peer to peer counseling, and pro se legal supportive services while advocating for racial and migrant justice. LEAP addresses systemic marginalization as well as deepen community-building for this vulnerable population.
Our Vision
Our vision is to dismantle structural barriers that perpetuate violence and discrimination based on immigration status, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We are committed to abolishing prisons and policing institutions that directly and indirectly inflict harm on Black LGBTQI+ immigrants, replacing them with transformative programs and community-led initiatives that affirm and realign with Black LGBTQI+ immigrant lives.
In our vision we believe that all Black LGBTQI+ immigrants deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. Through activism, community-building, and advocacy, we support individuals facing systemic challenges, working toward a future grounded in justice, liberation, and collective care.
As a beacon of hope, we empower those who have endured discrimination and adversity, guiding them toward a future of acceptance and empowerment. We aim to unite our community, building connections that go beyond differences. By working together, we contribute to advancing equality and justice for everyone, promoting a society where individuals can live authentically and prosper without fear of discrimination. As we work with Black LGBTQI+ long-resident immigrants and newly arriving Black asylum seekers we recognize the need to extend our reach beyond the State of New York to combat continued racism, xenophobia and othering that uniquely and specifically harms Black LGBTQI+ immigrants in social and cultural institutions and practices.
Our Values
Justice – LEAP is committed to advocating for racial, migrant, and LGBTQ+ justice, ensuring that Black LGBTQI+ immigrants have access to essential health and legal services, and challenging systems of oppression.
Community – LEAP values community-building, offering peer support and resources that foster solidarity and connection among Black LGBTQI+ immigrants, particularly those facing alienation in mainstream systems.
Solidarity – LEAP stands in solidarity with marginalized individuals, working together with diverse communities to combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination while supporting collective action for equality.
Dignity – LEAP upholds the inherent dignity of Black LGBTQI+ immigrants, advocating for a society where individuals can live authentically, free from violence, discrimination, or marginalization.