On Tuesday 20th June, Moud Goba was announced as 2023’s recipient of Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) Global Good Award. The BET Global Good Award is a “recognition of global celebrities and public figures who use their platform for social responsibility, goodness and commitment to the welfare of the global Black community.” Moud Goba joins past Global Good honorees including artist and philanthropist Akon and Kenyan mental health advocate Sitawa Wafula.
This incredible award recognises Moud’s passionate work and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. Moud has been a valued member of the Micro Rainbow team for more than 8 years, bringing her lived experience of being a lesbian asylum seeker to her work every day. She is also a founding member of UK Black Pride, and serves as its Chair of the Board of Trustees. Since fleeing persecution in Zimbabwe and coming to the UK, she has dedicated herself to advocating for the rights of LGBTQI refugees. The work she does and continues to do supports refugees to live in dignity, be themselves and fully integrate into their new communities.
Moud Goba:
“As a refugee and an LGBTQI activist I am passionate about supporting other LGBTQI people fleeing persecution because of their gender or sexual identity. Having lived through this experience I know how tough and dehumanising the process can be. I am driven by the need to ensure that those seeking sanctuary are treated with and held in kindness and dignity within their new communities”
Moud played a key role in the development of Micro Rainbow’s flagship safe housing programme in 2017. Now in its sixth year, this programme provides direct safe housing to hundreds of LGBTQI people seeking asylum. The provision of safe housing means that those who can access support live safely and avoid abuse and homelessness. Moud was also involved in the safe integration of LGBTQI refugees arriving in the UK from Afghanistan
Moud accepts this award in a year in which she has been rightly honoured by the BBC (as one of its 100 Women in 2022) and by the DIVA Awards (winning Inspirational Role Model of the Year).
On this recent honour:
“It is such a humbling experience to be recognised for this award. I feel happy, proud, excited and overwhelmed. This award goes beyond personal recognition but recognises the work of Micro Rainbow and the work we do to support LGBTQI refugees. It is validating the lived experiences of refugees like myself and those who are still walking the journey to finding safety and freedom.”
Micro Rainbow’s CEO, Sebastian Rocca, said this about Moud:
“Moud is a crucial part of Micro Rainbow. Her knowledge and deep understanding of the issues facing LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers informs our work every day. Moud has been instrumental in shaping Micro Rainbow into the award-winning organisation it is today. Her kindness and humanity makes her an inspirational leader. She is a fearless advocate for the people we work with at Micro Rainbow and we are hugely proud to have her as our colleague.”
Micro Rainbow supported over 1,200 LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers in 2022. As National Director, Moud ensures that Micro Rainbow’s programme of work and specialised support is guided by her lived experience of the asylum process. Despite the increasing hostility to refugees in the UK, and a Pride Month that has been characterised by homophobic and transphobic attacks, this award shows that Moud’s tireless and vital work is recognised and appreciated.
The BET Awards 2023 will be available on-demand in the UK via My5 and Sky VOD.
Learn more about how Micro Rainbow supports LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers with housing, social inclusion and moving on support by visiting the website. You can make a long-term commitment to supporting Micro Rainbow’s beneficiaries by becoming an ally.
