An ‘Evening in Damascus’ returns to celebrate, fundraise for LGBTQI+ refugees
Posted October 11, 2023 9:07 am.
Last Updated October 11, 2023 1:24 pm.
An event that looks to raise funds for LGBTQI+ refugees returns next week, as it marks its ninth year celebrating the success and cultures of those fleeing persecution.
RBC Presents: An Evening in Damascus takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
As in previous years, all money raised will go to the Metro-Vancouver-based Rainbow Refugee Society, which works to bring LGBTQI+ refugees to Canada.
“But it’s also an event that’s trying to present queerness and Syrian-ness, all at the same place through our art, storytelling, or food, and belly dancing,” explained Danny Ramadan, the man behind the annual fundraiser, who himself is a former refugee from Syria.
The annual event started in 2015, nine months after Ramadan arrived as a refugee in Canada. The night began as a “tiny, little community-run event” that featured close friends, Syrian food, and a call for donations to help refugees find safe passage.
Now, almost a decade later, the event has become a “flagship fundraiser” across Metro Vancouver for Rainbow Refugee, with more than 300 attendees each year.
The event has raised over $300,000 and directly supported 24 queer and trans refugees find a home in Canada.
Ramadan says that as someone who came to the country through the federal Private Sponsorship Program with Rainbow Refugee, he’s inspired to help others and celebrate the intersecting identities of former refugees.
“It’s basically trying to marry two different identities at the same time — being queer and being Syrian, here in Vancouver, in this very unique, very beautiful event,” he said.
The night includes performances from drag sensations Kendall Gender and Selena Vyle, along with dancers like Van Vogue Jam and Rahel. Dafa Band and Emad will also be sharing music during the evening.
An Evening in Damascus is being held at The Terminal City Club on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can buy tickets here.
CityNews is a proud partner of RBC Presents: An Evening In Damascus.
