LIVING IN SHADOWS – BEING GAY IN KENYA

By Lesego Tlhwale (BTM Intern)

KENYA – 02 February 2010: A documentary reflecting the issues of ‘Being gay in Kenya’ is in the pipeline and with it, producers say they want to break the myth that gays and lesbians do not exist in the country, as believed by some members of society.

Comprising of first hand experiences of gay Kenyans, the documentary reveals issues of homophobia, stereotyping and stigma in a society in which the majority feel that homosexuality is unAfrican and unbiblical.

In the documentary, some participants reveal how they have had to stay in the closet for fear of being identified as gay, while others are said to live double lives in order to fit into society.

Others talk of the many gatherings often held, populated by respectable members of society, such as teachers, lawyers and even politicians.

“Most people I interviewed do not blame anybody about their sexuality, they say it has been a feeling from childhood despite the fact that most people say that this is a behavior adopted either from high school or maybe one was sexually molested by an uncle or a cousin”, Javine Ochieng of Gay Kenya, an LGBTI human rights organisation in Kenya said.

Since safety is a big concern, participants’ names and identities are carefully protected to avoid recognition, which could lead to further stigma, discrimination and even violence.

“It was a problem even getting people to volunteer and speak out about their lives due to the fear of facing homophobia in the Kenyan society at large. And their concerns were the thought that the documentary could be taken to the press.”

Ochieng says the documentary will be used to sensitise society and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender and intersex (LGBTI) community during trainings, often held by Gay Kenya.

“We want to ensure that Kenyans understand that gay people exist in our country and that they understand issues of homosexuality, having seen and understood how gays feel about themselves and their sexuality”, Ochieng said.

He added, “In the past when I was talking to people about being gay, lesbian, transgender or intersex they failed to understand and accept the fact that there are LGBTI people in Kenya.”

During production some findings from the Kenyan society were surprising. “Even though the Kenyan society is homophobic there are a number of people who understand and support that gays, lesbians and intersex people should be left to lead their lives in peace”, Ochieng revealed.

Due to a limited budget, participants only came from urban areas, since members of GayKenya had to dig dip into their pockets to produce the documentary.

However Ochieng acknowledges issues faced by gay and intersex people in rural areas and says they too should participate in future.

The documentary covers themes of family support for gay people, coping with the sexuality of a gay sibling and views of the Kenyan Psychiatry about homosexuality in Kenya.

It is not available for the public, for safety reasons, however a protected copy for the public is available at Gay Kenya offices on request.

For more Information visit: http://www.gaykenya.com/