Aderonke Apata’s life is a profound testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of justice. Born in Nigeria, Aderonke faced unimaginable persecution simply for living her truth as a lesbian. After being sentenced to death by stoning, enduring imprisonment, and witnessing unspeakable violence, she fled to the United Kingdom in 2004. What followed was a harrowing 13-year battle for asylum, during which she experienced homelessness, detention, and near-deportation. Refusing to give up, Aderonke studied immigration law to advocate for herself, ultimately securing her refugee status in 2017. Her extraordinary journey has inspired countless individuals and established her as a powerful voice for marginalised communities worldwide.
Throughout her advocacy work, Aderonke has consistently combined personal experience with professional excellence. In 2014, she founded African Rainbow Family, a pioneering organisation supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, offering them safe spaces, practical assistance, and hope. Aderonke’s work has garnered international recognition, earning her numerous honours including the Attitude Pride Award, Activist of the Year at the Sexual Freedom Awards, and LGBT Positive Role Model Award at the National Diversity Awards. She was also named among the UK’s most influential LGBT individuals on the RainbowList in both 2014 and 2015, and was added to Amnesty International UK’s Suffragette Spirit Map of Britain in 2018.
In parallel with her activism, Aderonke pursued her legal education with extraordinary dedication. She obtained multiple qualifications including a Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Master of Public Health, and Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. In 2022, she was proudly Called to the Bar of England and Wales. Aderonke also became an ADR ODR International Accredited Mediator in Civil and Commercial disputes, adding to her extensive expertise. As a co-developer of the Black Leadership Empowerment Programme (BLEP), delivered through The Open University Business School, she continues to foster inclusive leadership and systemic change.
Today, Aderonke is a sought-after motivational speaker, delivering deeply moving and insightful talks on topics such as resilience, intersectionality, diversity and inclusion, and refugee rights. Her combination of lived experience, legal acumen, and unwavering passion for justice captivates audiences across sectors. Every appearance is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity, challenge oppression, and drive meaningful social change.
