LGBTQ: Love in the shadows

The LGBTQ flag. (Courtesy)

“Pride stands for courage, it stands for justice, and most of all it stands for love. As we recall the trials the LGBTQ+ community has endured and celebrate the trailblazers who have barely fought for equality, let us recommit to the work that remains,” US President Joe Biden shared eariler in the week. 

And it has been barely a fortnight since Kenyan journalist and actor Makena Njeri started her path towards gay reforms in Kenya through her Bold Network Africa initiative. 

Being a member of the LGBTQ+ movement in the 254 is as controversial as it gets. Supporting the polarising practice is no easy walk either. It attracts cyber-bullying, online hate, ridicule and stigma.

Hence when Makena disclosed her sexuality on a recent TED Talk dated May 13, 2021 while launching BOLD, the reactions have been divisive to say the least.

However, Makena’s initiative has been backed by her celebrity friends such as make-up artiste Dennis Karuri, fashionista Franklin Saiyalel aka Kenyan Stylista and Marini Naturals CEO Michelle Ntalami. 

In the background of all this however, is the reality that matters LGBTQ+ are much more visible in the world of showbiz, not just locally, but the world over.  

Film

In 2018, the film Rafiki was released. Directed by ground-breaking international Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, the motion picture tackles and celebrates a love story of two young ladies - Ziki and Kena, with graphic love scenes. It did not augur well with Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) boss Dr Ezekiel Mutua, who said it went against Kenya’s cultural and legal make-up.

“Female, same sex-sexual activity is not explicitly prohibited by law. Lesbians, bisexual women and transgender persons, are not recognised in the Kenyan constitution. Gross indecency can be used against lesbian women who engage in same sex acts. There are no explicit protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Adoption is also prohibited to same-sex couples,” Lawyer Jeffery Lemaiyan told Pulse.

Music

Over the past month, at least two stars with huge following have embraced the LGBTQ community in Nairobi – Noti Flow and Xtian Dela.

Outspoken artiste Noti Flow has previously said that she is bisexual, and her song Same Love was flagged by KFCB boss Mutua as well. Recently she revealed she was in a relationship with a lady named King Alami, the lass had previously been linked to socialite Vanessa Chettle.

“Love comes in many ways,” she told The Nairobian in a hearty interview last year. “It does not necessarily have to be with a man or a woman. Love does not discriminate. I have loved a man and also loved a woman.” 

Another touchy song that has the LGBTQ theme is Siri by Fena Gitu. It depicts women in a romantic love triangle, while one of them is actually in a relationship with a man. 

Political play

Public figure, social media blogger and political aspirant Xtian Dela has vowed to support LGBTQ if elected in the 2022 election as Westlands MP.

“Let us be REAL” he began, “Most young people in Kenya are part of the LGBTQ community! You and I both have very amazing gay friends that have NO issue about it!! It is high time as Kenyans we accepted this fact and legislated laws that PROTECTED them instead of criminalising and insulting them,” he wrote in a long post, advocating for the clemency of the LGBTQ community.

Online users were split over the post, with some strongly opinionated asking for him to be ‘cancelled’, while others told him to focus on ‘realer issues’, and others straight forwardly remained ‘open-minded’ calling out double standards of some commentators.

“Those are Western things. We have to respect our values and traditions. That gay stuff is and has never been African ideals,” a popular journalist, who sought anonymity, said.

As African countries play hardball, it is obvious that this is a much bigger issue; with personalities with a huge fandom taking the conversation away from policy makers and into the online world.

Not long ago, former news anchor Louis Otieno’s son, who lives a discreet life, announced he was married to a white man.

And last month, transgender model Letoya Johnstone was allegedly booted out of popular night club, Milan Lounge, for being a trans woman despite paying for drinks with her posse.

This caused an uproar, with many chastising the high end nightspot for their lack of diversity and inclusivity. And while Milan remained mum on the incident, there are quite a number of nightspots known to be frequented by the LGBTQ community.

Fashion industry

Fashion fluidity and non-binary pieces are some of the subtle features in the fashion world that are indicative of a pro-LBGTQ stance world over.

“When it comes to style and design, just trust your eyes and how you feel in a garment regardless of what everyone else thinks. Life is too short, so be yourself and wear whatever you want. My opinion on how you dress should not matter and so should anybody else’s,” says Edi Patrick Muyishime.

He challenges norms through his fashion forward pieces, and seeing men wearing dresses in his collections is not a shocking thing.

Kenyan Photographer Moharez says he has been harassed multiple times because of how he walks, talks, and does not understand the insecurities that come with being gay.

“We just want to be free to create like all other creators. We can allow pornography, misogyny, violence, sex, and graphic content, but when it comes to us, we are hated and treated like criminals. It is unfair,” Moharez says. 

Finding acceptance

While the policy and political climate is clearly against the LGBTQ+ culture, some members of this community divided on wearing their badge with pride opt to go to places that are much more welcoming.

“I moved to the Ukay essentially because to some extent one may not feel represented back home. For example, someone like me gets called ‘gay’ just for being flamboyant and artsy and places in the UK do not discriminate against people like me but somewhat embrace it,” Former Machachari actor Ian Nene told Pulse.

As this goes on, many more are living quiet lives and struggling to find acceptance.

“I counsel many. They visit me and open up to me candidly. Many are deep in depression, using things like LSD, and many hallucinogens just to deal with anxiety. One died by suicide last year, I was devastated,” Psychologist Judith Gitau said.