Collections by Michelle Brown WSG Thomas "TJ" Rogers

Collections by Michelle Brown

Originally from Bufffalo New York, Thoma "TJ" Rogers now calls Mexican Town in South west Detroit home. TJ works at Freedom House Detroit. Freedom House Detroit is a temporary home for indigent survivors of persecution from around the world who are seeking asylum in the United States and Canada. Our mission is to uphold a fundamental American principle, one inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, providing safety for those “yearning to breathe free.” TJ is passionate about advocacy, and with over five years of firsthand experience providing direct services to asylum seekers, Rogers works to generate awareness about the plight and courage of asylum seekers while encouraging individuals and organizations to increase their support. It was his learning of the Rwandan genocide that sparked a life-long love affair with Africa. He came to fully appreciated the country's beautiful culture, including traditional dance, food, music, and language. He’s also particularly drawn to Uganda, a country that most know for it's efforts to criminalize homosexuality. He’s drawn to Uganda not only for it's rich, beautiful culture, but also because of the plight, courage, and resiliency of the 'kuchu' community -An issue as an out and proud gay man he can relate to personally. In Spring 2015, He was featured as one of five LGBT Detroiters to watch in Pride Source, Michigan's LGBT Magazine, for his efforts to bridge the gap between the U.S. LGBT community and LGBT asylum community. He was invited to participate in a roundtable conversation at the UNHCR Washington, DC office about alternatives to detention for LGBT asylum seekers. Rogers is also on the Steering Committee of LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network, a Board Member of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy, and a proud member of Amnesty International.