LGBTQ organisations concerned about members' safety amidst national uproar

The groups asked duty bearers to take action against any individuals and groups spreading hate speech against LGBTQ individuals.

Piece by: SELINA TEYIE
News

• They urged the LGBTQ community in Kenya to stay safe during these times.

Gay Pride.
Image: Commons Wikimedia

Organisations representing members of the LGBTQ community are concerned about the safety of their members.

In a statement signed by the various groups on Tuesday, they said that the ongoing talks of homophobia may lead to aggression toward them.

They include the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), the Eagles for Life Kenya, GALCK+, INEND, Bold Network Africa and the Q-Initiative.

"Misguided statements online or offline often scapegoat LGBTQ people and organisations and may increase their vulnerability and exposure to violence and human rights violations at work, home and other spaces," they said.

They urged the LGBTQ community in Kenya to stay safe during these times.

"I ask you to familiarise yourselves with your area's security and referral mechanism," they said.

"Do not be afraid to report injustices to security agencies and reach out to NGLHRC for legal representation," they added.

Since the controversial Supreme Court ruling that allowed the registration of NGLHRC as a legal NGO, there have been numerous debates and opposition.

The groups asked duty bearers to take action against any individuals and groups spreading hate speech against LGBTQ individuals.

"We condemn any form of hate speech and discrimination directed towards people in Kenya regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity," they said.

They implored Kenyans to understand that violence against LGBTQ persons is unacceptable and punishable by law.

"Queer bodies are not battlegrounds or museums of hatred and inhumanity, that human rights are interdependent and indivisible and that our lives deserve to be protected regardless of people's feelings or opinions," they said.

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