One World

  by  John M Wambugu  2023 In many parts of the world, LGBTQ people continue to face discrimination, rejection, and violence simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In Kenya, many members of the LGBTQ community live in fear every day. While some people may think this violence is rare, the truth is that many cases go unreported because victims fear being attacked, arrested, rejected by their families, or humiliated by society. Kenya remains a deeply conservative society where same-sex relationships are still heavily stigmatized. Although the country’s constitution protects human dignity and freedom, many LGBTQ people continue to experience harassment, threats, physical attacks, and emotional abuse. Some are rejected by their families, chased away from their homes, dismissed from jobs, or attacked by mobs after their identity becomes known. One of the biggest challenges LGBTQ people face in Kenya is silence. Many victims never report the violence t...

By John Muthoga Wambugu In many Kenyan communities, family is considered the strongest foundation of identity, belonging, and support. It is within the family structure that individuals are raised, guided, protected, and prepared for life in society. However, for many LGBTQ individuals in Kenya, this same foundation can become the source of deep pain, rejection, and emotional isolation. “Rejected by Family, Condemned by Society” reflects the lived reality of many LGBTQ persons who struggle to find acceptance both at home and in the wider community. For years, I have engaged in LGBTQ advocacy and human rights discussions, and one of the most consistent patterns I have encountered is the emotional suffering caused by rejection from family members. In many cases, when an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity becomes known, the response is often confusion, disappointment, anger, or denial. Families may struggle to understand what they perceive as different from cultural or ...