On October 3rd and 4th, 2024, Pema Kenya will host a Coast Leadership Convening in Mombasa, bringing together SOGIE-led and Key Population (KP)-led civil society organizations (CSOs) from Mombasa County. Founded in 2008, Pema Kenya is a membership-based organization dedicated to creating an enabling environment for its members and the broader community, focusing particularly on Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) individuals.

In recent years, particularly last year, the coastal region of Kenya has experienced a rise in anti-gender movements fueled by conservative ideologies and increased political mobilization against gender and sexual diversity. These movements have resulted in heightened stigma, discrimination, and violence targeting GSM and KP individuals. Harmful narratives portraying GSM persons as threats to cultural values have led to their marginalization, while legislative efforts at both national and county levels, influenced by anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment, have created significant barriers to accessing healthcare, justice, and protection. Community-led organizations that advocate for GSM rights have also become frequent targets of social and political attacks, making their work increasingly challenging.

In this context, the convening aims to facilitate network building and collaborative efforts among SOGIE-led and KP-led CSOs and Social Justice Centers (SJCs). The need for strengthened collaboration is urgent, as the GSM community faces escalating violence, stigma, and legal persecution. By uniting CSOs, the convening will enable participants to share resources, expertise, and strategies to address threats collectively. This platform will foster trust and collaboration, allowing participants to develop joint action plans to enhance the security, visibility, and advocacy capabilities of their organizations.

The objectives of the convening are clear: to strengthen the capacity of SOGIE-led and KP-led CSOs in safety and security response mechanisms; to build and enhance networks between coastal region CSOs and SJCs; to facilitate knowledge sharing on best practices and advocacy strategies; and to engage participants in developing joint action plans for safety and rights-based advocacy for the GSM community.

Key areas of focus during the convening will include discussions on the impact of anti-gender movements on policy and service delivery for GSM communities, training sessions on personal and organizational safety covering physical and digital security threats, and leadership development aimed at strengthening the advocacy capabilities of CSO leaders. Participants will also engage in exercises to foster solidarity and identify collaborative opportunities, as well as discussions aimed at improving relationships with local stakeholders, including law enforcement and health providers.

Expected outcomes of this initiative include increased leadership capacity among CSOs, the development of a network committed to advocating for GSM rights, a comprehensive action plan to mitigate the effects of anti-gender movements, and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders to promote GSM rights and safety.

This convening represents a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and safer environment for GSM individuals in the coastal region of Kenya. By enhancing leadership capacity, improving security response mechanisms, and fostering collaboration, Pema Kenya aims to empower CSOs and SJCs to effectively combat the rising tide of discrimination and violence against GSM individuals, ensuring a more equitable future for all.

On September 24th and 25th, 2024, Pema Kenya hosted an inception meeting in Mombasa County, focused on improving access to justice for Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) persons. Pema Kenya, a membership-based organization founded in 2008, is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for its members and the broader community. As a GSM-led organization, Pema works closely with Gender and Sexual Minority individuals and communities, along with various stakeholders, to bridge the gap between the general population and the GSM community.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of participants, including lawyers, representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), court assistants, probation officers, and members of civil society organizations and social justice centers. This collaborative initiative recognized that Gender and Sexual Minority individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community, often face significant discrimination and prejudice within societal structures, particularly in the justice system. Despite the existence of progressive legal frameworks in many areas, systemic barriers, bias, and a lack of understanding continue to hinder the realization of rights for these individuals.

To address these critical issues, Pema Kenya aimed to raise awareness among judicial service officers about the unique challenges faced by Gender and Sexual Minority persons within the justice system. The meeting also sought to provide insights into existing legal frameworks and international human rights standards that protect the rights of these individuals. Sensitization on issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and expression was another key objective, aiming to foster a more inclusive and unbiased justice system. Additionally, the meeting sought to establish a collaborative platform for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Pema Kenya and judicial service officers to enhance access to justice for Gender and Sexual Minority persons.

The expected outcomes of this initiative include increased awareness and understanding among judicial service officers regarding the challenges faced by Gender and Sexual Minority individuals, enhanced knowledge of legal frameworks and human rights standards, improved sensitivity and responsiveness towards GSM issues, and the establishment of a foundation for ongoing collaboration between Pema Kenya and judicial service officers.

This inception meeting represents a vital step toward laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and just legal system that respects and upholds the rights of Gender and Sexual Minority persons. Through collaborative efforts, Pema Kenya aspires to create a positive impact on the lives of those seeking justice, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

September marks Bisexual Visibility Month, a dedicated time to recognize the contributions, experiences, and challenges of the bisexual community. This year, our campaign aims to amplify bisexual inclusivity through community engagement, fostering vital conversations that promote understanding, representation, and acceptance of bisexual individuals. The campaign has several key objectives: raising awareness about bisexual identities and the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals; advocating for inclusive environments across workplaces, educational institutions, and social spaces; empowering bisexual voices by providing platforms for community members to share their stories; and facilitating community engagement to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity through collaborative events and initiatives.

The campaign will primarily target bisexual individuals and their allies, LGBTQ+ organizations and activists, and the general public to cultivate a better understanding of bisexuality. Key messages include affirming that bisexuality is a valid sexual orientation deserving of visibility and respect, emphasizing that true inclusivity encompasses all identities, and challenging stereotypes that contribute to misunderstandings surrounding bisexuality.

To achieve these goals, the campaign will include various components such as research and storytelling, educational workshops, a social media campaign, and resource distribution. Multimedia platforms will be created for bisexual individuals to share personal stories and challenges through video testimonials and blogs. Additionally, a survey will gather data to be translated into infographics. Educational workshops, known as Barazas, will focus on educating the community about bisexuality, biphobia, and how to be effective allies. A social media campaign will launch using the hashtag #PEMABiVisibility, inviting individuals to share their experiences and support for bisexual visibility, along with virtual discussions.

The implementation timeline includes creating promotional materials and launching the social media campaign. Weekly storytelling events and workshops during the BISEXUAL BARAZAS will allow participants to share personal stories, discuss current issues such as biphobia and representation, learn about the complexities of bisexuality, and foster community connections. A trivia night themed around Bi-Visibility will further engage and educate participants. Following the campaign, a post-campaign phase in October will focus on evaluating the impact of the initiative and gathering feedback, ensuring continued engagement through follow-up events and projects that sustain visibility efforts. This Bisexual Visibility Month campaign represents a crucial opportunity to elevate bisexual voices and create a more inclusive world. By collaborating with bisexual community members and engaging allies, we can challenge misconceptions and celebrate the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, inspiring lasting change and affirmation of bisexual identities so that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

In response to rising anti-rights and anti-gender rhetoric, Pema Kenya launched a transformative artivism campaign under the banner #ChallengingTheHeteronormativeConventions, which was prominently featured in the Hodari Photobook. This initiative, part of our Hadithi Hadithi program, employs art-based strategies and public engagement to address and counteract stigma, prejudice, and discrimination faced by the GSM (Gender and Sexual Minorities) community.

Our campaign strategically leverages the power of artistic expression to foster inclusion, compassion, and understanding, aiming to replace fear and prejudice with a more accepting and empathetic societal perspective. By creating spaces for open dialogue and artistic reflection, we work to challenge entrenched heteronormative conventions and promote a more inclusive world.

Supported by CISU through LGBT+ DK, this crucial initiative was showcased at a high-profile Exhibition Show in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in May 2024. This global platform provided an opportunity to present our campaign’s objectives to an international audience, reinforcing our commitment to advocating for the rights, dignity, and acceptance of the GSM community. Through this visibility, we aim to amplify our message, engage with global allies, and drive positive change in the discourse surrounding gender and sexual diversity.

In many African societies, conversations about sexuality and gender identity, especially concerning the GSM (Gender and Sexual Minorities) community, are often considered taboo. To address this challenge, the UTU Baraza Dialogues initiative is making significant strides by fostering safe and open environments for discussions about GSM inclusion.

UTU Baraza Dialogues is a grassroots initiative spearheaded by Pema Kenya, designed to promote dialogue and understanding around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. The term “utu,” which means “humanity” in Swahili, embodies the initiative’s core values of respect, dignity, and equality.

Through a series of community-led dialogues, UTU Baraza aims to confront and dismantle stereotypes, challenge prevailing myths, and cultivate empathy towards the GSM community. By creating these spaces for honest and respectful conversations, the initiative seeks to shift societal attitudes, promote inclusivity, and advance the acceptance and understanding of diverse gender and sexual identities. This strategic approach not only addresses immediate issues but also contributes to long-term cultural and social change by embedding principles of humanity and equality into community discourse.

Key populations and community-led monitoring are increasingly important in HIV-related policy and program guidance. Community organizations in East and Southern Africa have supported constituencies of people living with HIV, adolescent girls and young women, sexual and gender minorities, and sex workers to participate in monitoring healthcare services and facilities. Pema Kenya has been implementing Community Led Monitoring (CLM) through the Integrated Monitoring, Accountability for Quality Improvement (IMAQI) system in Mombasa since October last year, with the support of our South African partners, Positive Vibes Trust. This model has also been implemented in ten other countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The IMAQI model follows a structured process beginning with a 5 days Setting The Level (STL) process to interrogate communities and healthcare facilities perspectives and perceptions around good services in a facility, and then a few months experience collection from monitored facility or facilities through the Ma’box online secure platform created by communities. Pema Kenya has also recently conducted its Data Analysis process and both of the comprehensive reports are available on our website.

Pema Kenya, in conjunction with other leading advocates in the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) community, participated in a high-impact strategic meeting held in Nairobi. This session featured Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, and the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The focus of this critical discussion was the U.S. commitment to advancing human rights for SOGIE communities within Kenya, marking a significant opportunity to address pressing issues and foster meaningful dialogue.

The meeting provided a strategic forum to bring to light the various challenges faced by LGBTIQ individuals in Kenya. These challenges include discrimination, violence, and limited access to essential services, which significantly impact their quality of life and rights. By presenting these issues directly to high-level U.S. officials, Pema Kenya and its partners aimed to underscore the urgency and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for targeted international support and intervention.

In addition to highlighting the current challenges, the meeting sought to explore and propose opportunities for enhanced international collaboration. This included discussing potential partnerships, funding mechanisms, and strategic initiatives that could bolster efforts to improve the protection and advancement of SOGIE rights in Kenya. The dialogue was also intended to identify and leverage synergies between local advocacy efforts and broader global human rights objectives.

Engaging with key U.S. officials was a strategic move to strengthen advocacy efforts and ensure that the protection and promotion of SOGIE rights are prioritized on the international stage. By aligning with U.S. policy makers and influencers, Pema Kenya aimed to influence global human rights agendas, secure commitments for increased support, and facilitate the creation of an environment where SOGIE rights are upheld and advanced effectively.

This high-level engagement reflects a broader strategic approach to elevate SOGIE issues on the global stage, ensuring that they receive the necessary attention, resources, and action to foster positive change and uphold human dignity and equality for all.

Last month, Pema Kenya proudly represented our nation at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in New York City. This prestigious event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and advocates to review and advance progress towards the SDGs. At the Forum, we had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a dedicated storytelling session. This platform allowed us to share Kenya’s unique experiences and challenges regarding LGBTIQ organizing. Our aim was to shed light on the specific barriers and opportunities faced by LGBTIQ communities in Kenya, emphasizing the critical need for their inclusion in sustainable development agendas.

We played a significant role in shaping the discourse on SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) at the General Assembly. Our statement called for a deliberate and strategic approach to incorporate SOGIE considerations into the SDGs. We advocated for policies and actions that are not only inclusive but also transformative, ensuring that the rights and needs of marginalized communities are addressed as part of the broader sustainable development framework. Through our engagement, we sought to influence global policy and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive approach to development that acknowledges and integrates the diverse experiences and identities of all individuals. This participation was a crucial step towards ensuring that Kenya’s perspectives contribute to shaping a more inclusive and effective global agenda for sustainable development.

From inspiring speeches and heartfelt messages to dazzling smiles and boundless joy, the 2024 Pride Cabaret was an extraordinary celebration that epitomized the themes of Reflection, Empowerment, and Unity. This annual event, now in its second year since its inception, brought together a diverse array of partners, stakeholders, allies, and community members to collectively honor and celebrate diversity while championing the principles of inclusion and appreciation.

Organized by Pema Kenya, the Pride Cabaret 2024 aimed to build on its past success by continuing to promote Social Inclusion and Human Rights. The event served as a powerful demonstration of the organization’s commitment to creating a more equitable and accepting society. The evening was marked by a vibrant display of inclusivity, where people of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds came together to experience a shared sense of unity and celebration.

Attendees were greeted by an array of performances and activities designed to highlight and embrace the rich tapestry of human experience. The atmosphere was electric with a sense of solidarity and joy, creating a space where each individual felt seen, valued, and celebrated. The diverse audience, reflecting a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, contributed to a dynamic and supportive environment where participants could freely express their true selves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Throughout the event, there was a palpable sense of belonging and camaraderie that resonated deeply among attendees. This feeling of connection and acceptance was fostered through the collective celebration of individuality and the shared commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive community. The Pride Cabaret 2024 was not just an event but a testament to the power of unity and the importance of standing together in the pursuit of equality and human rights.