FAQ's for Kenya's LGBTQI+ Community

Thank you for your interest in the organisation. We are not a member organisation so you cannot really join but there are different ways you can get involved:
1. Become a Partner – Join other individuals and organisations who partner with us to deliver programmes,make referrals,organise events and protests, host private fundraisers and plan social gatherings
2. Volunteer – NGLHRC relies on volunteers to complement the work of our core staff; from event planning and execution to research and programme development, there are many ways to get involved
3. Attend an Event – We regularly host events that bring the community together. Whether you identify as LGBTIQ or want to learn how you can be a better ally, contact us to learn more about being part of the NGLHRC community
4. Be A Resource – Stay informed on the state of rights for LGBTIQ persons by signing up for our newsletter or keeping up with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Sexual orientation is the enduring pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attractions to men, women or both sexes. Sexual orientation also refers to a person’s sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.

Gender Identity is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call/identify themselves. Gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.

Expression is the external appearance of one’s gender identity; usually expressed through behavior, dressing, lifestyle, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.

Homosexuality is a natural inclination towards same sex relationships, though the act of expressing is an individual choice.

Sexuality is fluid and people should be allowed to interact, express and identify to the feelings, emotions and expressions that suits them at a personal scale.

Homosexuality is not a mental illness or disorder rather a normal sexual diversity experienced within the society. Presently and historically, many cultures across the world have always had a variety of sexual expressions.

In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the psychiatric disorders list. This was followed by a decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990 by World Health Organisation.

It is not illegal in Kenya to identify yourself as homosexual. What is illegal is getting caught in the ‘act’, this is termed as indecent acts against nature.

N/B: litigation and advocacy is being done to ensure the decriminalization of homosexual acts.

NGLHRC offers legal aid to LGBTIQ individuals. This includes, assisting in reporting of cases, representing clients in court, collaborating with the state officers to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and action is taken.

There are official concerns on behavior modification therapy that aims to modify sexual orientation. This is due to the safety and effectiveness being in question. Findings have it that promotion of this therapies have a negative effect on the general LGBTIQ community as it reinforces stereotypes and stigma.

Therapy can be helpful to individuals with trouble accepting themselves and coping with the social prejudices that result in internal conflicts and can result in stress and depression.