“Rejection may challenge you, but never let it make you questions who you are — your authentic self is the greatest gift you can give to yourself, and tomorrow always holds new opportunities.”
Adebayo Chris Katiiti
2025 Top 30 Under 30
About
AGE: 30
PRONOUNS: He/Him/They/Them/Mwami/Sebo
HOMETOWN: Edmonton, AB
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Edmonton, AB
ORGANIZATIONS:
- Rights for All LGBTIQ+ Refugees In Canada Now Society (RARICANow! Society)
- Fierte Canada Pride (FCP)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
I am most passionate about:
What specific issue(s) are you working to address, and what motivates you to do so?
I am currently working on creating affordable, safe housing for Black, Trans, and Gender Non-Conforming 2SLGBTQI+ and QTBIPOC refugees and newcomers to support their arrival and adjustment to living in Canada. While in shelters, queer refugees often face discrimination and isolation. EWAKA Housing will provide customized, individualized support, settlement assistance, mental health services, and culturally relevant services tailored to each person’s needs and experiences. We are here today because our ancestors paved the way. The people we work with come from countries where being 2SLGBTQI+ is illegal, and they have already lost so much.
While in the shelter system, many continue to face rejection, systemic discrimination, and Anti-Black Racism. Many have been told to go back where they came from or that they don’t belong here. Some have been bullied and called derogatory names like “black monkeys.” Our goal is to give them a sense of belonging by creating a space where they can be themselves without fear of rejection or discrimination.
Katiiti Inclusive Wellness is a private, holistic, and inclusive wellness service provider offering comprehensive and intuitive wellness programs. These programs focus on counseling, life coaching, social gatherings, inclusive wellness activities, and sacred retreats. Our aim is to create inclusive and safe spaces that promote holistic well-being, culture, understanding, and personal growth for all individuals.
Katiiti Inclusive Wellness envisions a world in which every person, regardless of background, feels empowered to embrace their authentic self and live in gratitude. Our ambition is to model intentionality, inclusivity, and compassion in all aspects of our services, from counseling and coaching to social gatherings and retreats. We aim to inspire individuals to awaken to their true selves, fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and well-being in a world where everyone deserves to feel safe and valued.
What is your foundation?
I cannot return home due to the fear of persecution. My family disowned me because I am transgender, and everything I once knew had been stripped away. All I had left was myself, but now I am part of a community—a family built on love and care, free from discrimination. I come from Uganda, a place where being 2SLGBTQI+ is illegal. I belong to the Grasshopper Clan, and my ancestry is from the Buganda Kingdom. My mother, Nakachwa Gertrude, is the one who helped shape my future.
My motivation stems from rejection, which is why I strive to build brave, safe spaces where others can feel secure. Finding shelter is one thing, but discovering a safe and nurturing home is what EWAKA Housing truly provides. Here, we work on rebuilding ourselves. This is the reality.
What is your vision for the future?
In the future, I see myself creating more safe spaces where marginalized communities can thrive without fear of discrimination or judgment. I envision establishing a global, inclusive wellness initiative to support people in achieving their wellness goals, while also helping Black transgender individuals from refugee camps and dangerous countries find safety.
My vision for the future is one where unconditional love, freedom, and safety are a reality for everyone. The work I’m doing now directly contributes to that vision, empowering people to find their voices and believe that tomorrow can be better than today. As a survivor of gender-based violence, rejection, and countless struggles, I’m driven by a deep passion to see people not just survive, but truly thrive.
Through the RaricaNow organization I founded, I’ve helped settle over 200 individuals in Canada, offering them the opportunity to build a new life free from fear. My work is a manifestation of the future I envision, because tomorrow is never promised—especially for those who look like me.
I know my work is worth it because it has already made a tangible impact around the world. I’ve seen the lives I’ve touched change for the better, and that is what drives me to keep going.
What I wish to receive from the world is simple yet profound: justice and acceptance. I want to see people embraced for who they are, without judgment or fear. That’s the kind of world I’m striving to create—a world where everyone, no matter their background or identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
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