Emerging evidence on the lives, experiences and movement intentions of displaced sexual and gender minorities in Kenya
Using a participatory research design with sexual and gender minority (SGM)-led community based organisations (CBO) and refugee led organisations (RLO), this report explores the experiences of displaced sexual and gender minorities in Kenya. The research is based on 35 interviews in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kakuma refugee camp. It highlights their drivers of movement from across East Africa, the challenges faced after arrival, and their aspirations for safer futures.
There is no single narrative that drives SGM migrants to leave their countries of origin in East Africa. For most respondents, movement was triggered by a combination of factors related to their SGM identities. However, most had little choice but to leave their countries of origin. Hence, this report refers to them as displaced.
Movement was a survival strategy for some respondents, having experienced family violence, societal persecution, and marginalisation. Many felt forced to leave their country of origin in haste and with little preparation when they feared their life was at risk. Others opted to move across borders when they felt they had run out of options in their country of origin and were thus better able to plan their movements. Several respondents migrated internally before ultimately leaving their country.
Respondents identified the hostile and discriminatory environments in their countries of origin as key factors in their decision to leave. In particular, Ugandan respondents pointed to the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) which had emboldened society to persecute and marginalise them, worsening their overall quality of life and threatening their safety. Other respondents, including citizens of Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania, left due to social and communal traditions that impeded their acceptance by society and limited their opportunity to live a life of dignity in their home country.
Despite finding relative safety and refuge in Kenya, SGM migrants continued to face discrimination and abuse after arrival. Respondents recounted being monitored by their communities, arrested and detained by authorities, and facing social and economic exclusion. Ultimately, they were forced to devise strategies to hide their SGM identities. Thus, in spite of signals to the contrary, Kenya is not a place where respondents can be themselves without risk linked to their identities.
Most respondents aspired to move onward through regular channels but were aware that there are limited pathways available to them. Their aspirations were rooted in the desire to live in countries where SGM people can access their rights and freedoms, as well as economic opportunities. Many reported lacking the funds necessary to pursue their movement objectives.
Respondents in general found it difficult to access documentation, livelihood opportunities, housing, and healthcare while in Kenya. However, challenges and opportunities varied somewhat depending on respondents’ location and their SGM identity. For example, while respondents in Kakuma had better access to asylum information and processes than those in cities, lack of anonymity in the camps led to abuse. In Mombasa cultural and language affinity could help respondents, but there were fewer SGM-led CBOs to assist than in Nairobi. In terms of identity, transgender respondents reported particular challenges, for instance in interacting with authorities.
See also
Moving targets: experiences of LGBTIQ+ people on the move across the Americas
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