Hilary Heuler is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Originally from California, she has spent over eight years writing and reporting from a number of countries across Europe, Asia and Africa, specializing in print and radio stories for an international audience.

LGBT Activist: Kenya More Tolerant, but Still Not Safe

01 May 2015  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The Kenyan High Court ruled in favor of allowing the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission to register officially, marking a significant victory for LGBT rights in Kenya. Despite this progress, challenges remain as the country is still largely conservative, with political and religious leaders opposing the decision. Eric Gitari, the lawyer who led the case, highlights increased tolerance and support for LGBT rights, though violence and discrimination persist. Human Rights Watch and other advocates see the ruling as a crucial step in upholding constitutional protections against popular prejudice.

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Human Rights Watch National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Kenyan High Court Kenyan Government

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Reuben Kyama is a seasoned broadcast and print journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
During his career spanning over 15 years, he has covered developments in Africa for leading media both locally and internationally, including The New York Times, Germany’s Deutsche Welle and the Voice of America (VoA)...

Kenya’s High Court Upholds a Ban on Gay Sex

24 May 2019  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ Issues

Kenya's High Court has upheld laws criminalizing gay sex, a decision that aligns with the majority of African nations where anti-gay laws are prevalent. The ruling was met with disappointment from activists and civil rights groups, including the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the Human Dignity Trust, who argue that it contradicts Kenya's constitutional guarantees of human dignity and freedom from discrimination. The decision came on the same day Taiwan celebrated its first same-sex weddings, highlighting a stark contrast in global LGBTQ rights.

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Human Dignity Trust National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Kenya's High Court

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Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

In Africa, being gay makes you a target for extortion

02 Jul 2015  |  The World from PRX  |  English  |  Crime

The article discusses the rise of blackmail and extortion against LGBT individuals in Kenya, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Victims are often reluctant to report crimes due to fear of legal repercussions. Eric Gitari, the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, describes how criminals target gay people on social media and use recorded sex videos to extort money. Despite the risks, two men, Titus and Abdukadir, reported their blackmailers to the police with the help of an LGBT advocate from HOYMAS. The police have arrested four suspects, and a hearing is scheduled. The article also references a 2011 report by the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission on the prevalence of blackmail and extortion against LGBT individuals in Africa. Additionally, it highlights the efforts of Kenyan LGBT advocates like Dennis Nzioka, who set up an online platform to report such crimes, and the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice due to the criminalization of homosexuality.

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Persons Marginalized and Aggrieved (PEMA) Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Health Options for Young Men Living with HIV/AIDS & STIs (HOYMAS)

Jackson Okata is an independent journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His works have been published both locally and internationally.

He writes about climate and environment,human rights ,gender and women, development journalism,agriculture,politics and development

How trans and intersex people in Kenya have to bribe police, hospitals and landlords to survive

06 Oct 2023  |  www.cnn.com  |  English  |  Discrimination

Trans and intersex individuals in Kenya face systemic discrimination and extortion, often having to bribe police, healthcare workers, and landlords to survive. Despite the Kenyan Supreme Court ruling against discrimination based on sexual orientation, political and religious leaders continue to propagate anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, leading to increased violence and harassment. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International Kenya report widespread abuses, including physical harassment, discrimination, and targeted murders. The lack of legal protections and societal acceptance forces many LGBTQ+ individuals to live in constant fear and financial strain, resorting to bribery as a means of navigating daily life.

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National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Amnesty International Kenya Kenyan Government Catholic Church Anglican Church Pentecostal Church

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Elizabeth Okwach is an experienced journalist cum communication specialist based in Nairobi Kenya. 

Moreover, I have worked with Non- governmental organizations, Start Ups as well as PR Agencies. I am most interested in Social Justice, Human Rights, Environment, Business and International ...

What did Sheila Lumumba want?

18 May 2024  |  minorityafrica.org  |  English  |  Justice System

Sheila Lumumba, a non-binary lesbian, was brutally murdered in Kenya, sparking calls for justice and highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Despite being a vibrant and independent person, Lumumba faced familial rejection and threats due to their identity. Their murder led to a significant online campaign for justice, although the eventual sentencing of the perpetrator was deemed lenient by activists. The case underscores the systemic issues in Kenya's legal framework regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the broader societal challenges of acceptance and safety for queer individuals.

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Human Rights Watch Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission galck+

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Samuel Waweru is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. I Specialise in storytelling, Documentary filmmaking, Interview camera operation, and video editing. I am passionate about telling African stories to the world. Let's create great stories together.

We must help them despite who they are…: healthcare providers’ attitudes and perspectives on care for young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya

01 Feb 2023  |  BioMed Central  |  English  |  Sexually Transmitted Infections

Healthcare providers in Nairobi, Kenya, are professionally obligated to provide care to young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) despite personal non-affirming attitudes towards same-sex practices. Challenges include inadequate knowledge, parental/provider role conflict, and secondary stigma from colleagues. Strategies for improvement include sensitizing and training healthcare providers, encouraging more interactions with YMSM, and offering YMSM-friendly services. The study highlights the need for professional duty to override personal beliefs and the importance of creating an inclusive healthcare environment.

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Kenyatta National Hospital National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Ministry of Health University of Nairobi

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