A bisexual man in Canada has been granted a one-year temporary residency just a day before his scheduled deportation to Kenya, a decision his supporters are calling “a victory for migrant and queer justice.” Charles Mwangi, 48, who has been living in Toronto, received the temporary resident permit after a surge of petitions, protests, and an emergency appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Mwangi, who fled Kenya in 2019 after facing death threats and abuse due to his sexuality, feared for his life if forced to return. Kenya criminalizes same-sex relationships, and LGBTQ individuals frequently face discrimination, harassment, and violence, often perpetrated by the police.
The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, an organization supporting Mwangi, announced that the permit would allow him to remain in Canada while his humanitarian and compassionate application is reviewed. Mwangi, who currently works as a personal support worker in Toronto shelters and previously in long-term care homes during the pandemic, expressed his relief, stating, “I’m so happy today, we have won.”
Diana Da Silva, an organizer for the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, emphasized the need for Ottawa to protect undocumented people, stating, “Stopping Charles’s deportation is a victory for migrant and queer justice and the power of community action.” She called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fulfill his promise of regularizing undocumented people in Canada.
Mwangi’s refugee claim had been denied in 2021, with the adjudicator questioning his credibility as a bisexual man despite testimonies and his involvement with LGBTQ organizations. His case garnered widespread support, leading to this temporary halt of his deportation.
Mwangi is now set to lead a demonstration in Toronto on September 15 as part of nationwide actions against racism and for immigrant justice.
