Thomars Shamuyarira is proudly out trans man from Harare, Zimbabwe. Despite enduring immense adversity—including being disowned by his family and forced to flee his home country due to his LGBTQI+ identity—Thomars has emerged as a leading advocate for LGBTQI+ refugees in South Africa. As the founder of The Fruit Basket, an organisation committed to supporting LGBTQI+ refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, Thomars has become a beacon of hope for many displaced individuals. His advocacy takes place within the context of a dysfunctional and dehumanising asylum system in South Africa, which, instead of providing refuge to LGBTQI+ individuals fleeing persecution across Africa, often subjects them to further discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking legal status. Beyond advocacy, The Fruit Basket offers direct support to help restore dignity to this marginalised community through skills development programs, relief services, and the operation of two safe houses for LGBTQI+ refugees in Johannesburg.