This archive report was first published on 21 December 2019.
December 21, 2019
As Christmas approaches, many in Kenya's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) community face isolation and loneliness due to societal rejection.
However, a group of Kenyan LGBTQ individuals has found a way to combat this by organizing their own Christmas celebration, dubbed Queermas.
Queermas is a time for members of the gay community to gather, share in festivities, and find a sense of community and belonging.
"There's a sense of community and it's a free space where you can enjoy things that you've grown up doing and are used to," said Kioko, who attended Queermas last year.
"It's a safe space for us and it feels nice to know you're not alone," she added.
Despite the growing popularity of Queermas, homosexuality remains a criminal act in Kenya, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, according to the country's penal code.
