This year, in line with the IDAHOBIT theme, we stand “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” – a powerful message as we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the vulnerability of LGBTIQ+ persons. COVID-19 has exposed existing gaps of equality and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including bias and social stigma, discrimination, economic impact, the risk of violence and domestic parental violence, and it has reduced access to gender-affirming health services.

Pema Kenya will continue to shed light on these and other injustices, and will continue advocating for everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love, to be protected and included in the global response to the pandemic. We hope that you will join our efforts, throughout the year, to make the coastal region and Kenya at large a more inclusive community for all. We must stand united in celebrating diversity and the resilience of the LGBTQI+ community and in defending human rights, inclusiveness and justice.

As we commemorate IDAHOBIT 2021, I would also like to take send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Joash Mosoti (Advocacy officer – HAPA KENYA) and Badi Twii who are both Pema Kenya members. We condemn the brutal murder of Joash and put our trust in the investigative and law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators into book. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. We will remember to hold tight to both of your memories.
They will be with us forever!

By Catherine Kariuki, Pema Kenya Chairperson (2021-2023)

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