Speaker: Thomars
Function: Founder and Director
Bedrijf: The Fruit Basket

Over de spreker
Thomars Shamuyarira is a transgender man, refugee advocate, and the founder and director of The Fruit Basket, a grassroots organization advocating for the social inclusion, safety, and lega recognition of LGBTQI+ refugees in South Africa. For over a decade, his work has focused on supporting displaced queer and trans communities through community-led innitiatives, advocacy, and international engagement. Drawing from lived experience as a refugee, Thomars brings a powerful perspective to conversations on migration, protection, and LGBTQI+ rights. His advocacy centers on refugee-led solutions and ensuring that displaced LGBTQI+ people are included in policy discussions that shape their lives. He has spoken on numerous international platforms, including delivering a statement at the 56th Un Human Rights Council in Geneva, and speaking at events sich as living in Limbo at Pakhuis De Zwijger, The Trans Day of Remembrance Memorial at Westerkerk, and other global Pride platforms and human rights forums. Thomars currently lives in Amsterdam, where he continues contributing to the global queer and trans refugee movement.