International Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of October. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize and celebrate lesbians in our society who face brazen prejudice in their everyday lives.
Across the country, Kenya's LGBTI activists are employing a range of strategies to bring about policy and cultural change. One of the most successful has been the movement's investment in raising the visibility of LGBTI people—by staging protests, organizing public events, promoting responsible press coverage, and pursuing grassroots digital media strategies—in order to shift cultural beliefs and the law in favor of LGBTI rights.
Here are some prominent Queer/Lesbian activists in Kenya putting in the work
Yvonne Oduor
Yvonne Oduor is a non-binary lesbian feminist who uses their background in media to advocate for the human rights of all and focuses their activism on sexual orientation and gender identity minority communities in Kenya. They currently work with the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, a human rights organisation that seeks to provide a safe and enabling environment for LGBTQI folk in Kenya.
Marylize Biubwa
Marylize is a radical LGBTQI activist and gender expert. She was one of the most forefront and vocal persons behind the Repeal 162 movement. Marylize works with LGBTQI minorities in the most marginalized communities in Kenya.
Nyar Afrika
Nyar Afrika loosely translates to daughter of Afrika. She is a queer non-conformist feminist. Founder of Grassroots Queer & Feminist organization Kisumu Feminists' Society.
LGBT Organizations offering Support to Lesbians in Kenya
INEND
The Initiative for Equality and Non-Discrimination (INEND) is a local not-for-profit organisation that undertakes strategic actions towards equality, acceptance and inclusion of LGBT persons in the Coast Region of Kenya.
Voices of Women in Western Kenya (VOWWEK)
Voices of Women In Western Kenya (VOWWEK) is a community-based rights advocacy organisation led by LBQTI women who are committed to increasing the participation of rural LBQTI women in social justice advocacy in Western Kenya.
The Gay And Lesbian Coalition Of Kenya(GALCK)
The Gay And Lesbian Coalition Of Kenya Is The National SOGIE Umbrella Body, representing LGBQ voices across Kenya.
GALCK envisions a safe and enabling environment for all. A space where the fundamental principles of human rights, equality and non-discrimination and the protection of the marginalized are guaranteed.
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC)
NGLHRC is a national organization that provides legal aid and works to change the law and policy towards equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ persons in Kenya.
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Mon. 13th May, 2019 at 8:29AM