FON Partners with IPPF Africa Region for Historic Pride Event

By: Hilmelda Tenkeu

 

Together with IPPFAR’s member association, Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK), we hosted the first-ever Pride event at the Nairobi office. The celebration, adorned with rainbow colors, brought together over 30 LGBTQI+ individuals and allies, marking a historic moment of solidarity and visibility for the LGBTQI+ community in Nairobi.

The event began with a warm welcome from Wanjiru Wairimu, FON’s Program Officer for Kenya and Ethiopia, followed by Benedicta Oyedayo, the Community Engagement and Partnership Lead at IPPF Africa Region. They set the tone for a safe and inclusive space for all attendees.

A highlight of the evening was SCAR’s soul-stirring slam poetry performance, which delved into themes of faith, sexuality, and the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Kenya. Her poignant piece, “Dear Straight People,” humorously yet powerfully addressed the need for active allyship and support for LGBTQI+ rights.

The standout moment was the screening of “Shee,” a 12-minute film that resonated deeply with the audience. The film portrays the struggles of a lesbian couple in Nairobi, capturing the legal, social, and economic hurdles faced by LGBTQI+ Kenyans. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s writer Aduda Hera, Linda Njiru from All Out, activist Marylize, and filmmaker Mathendu Muchoki. The discussion highlighted the importance of trust, choice, and communication in navigating relationships under discriminatory laws, as well as the crucial role of media representation in shaping societal attitudes.

Participants engaged in a lively two-hour discussion, expressing concerns about the socio-political and economic conditions for queer Kenyans and emphasizing the need for safe spaces and comprehensive sexuality education. The event concluded with valuable feedback and a call for more community-organizing events in the future.

This Pride event was a powerful step towards fostering open dialogue and building a supportive community for LGBTQI+ individuals in Kenya. It highlights FON’s unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces and amplifying feminist movements across the globe. We continue our efforts towards a world free of gender-based violence, ensuring that every individual can live with dignity, respect, and equality. We look forward to creating more opportunities for connection and celebration as we work towards this goal.