Makena Njeri, a Kenyan LGBTQ activist and media personality, has been vocal about her experiences with discrimination and exclusion from religious institutions since coming out as a member of the queer community.
In a recent interview with Sauti Sol’s Bien, Makena expressed her frustration with the church’s unwillingness to accept and support LGBTQ individuals.
Makena argued that the church’s discriminatory attitudes towards the queer community are not reflective of God’s teachings of love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
She called on religious leaders to re-examine their beliefs and practices, and to work towards creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ individuals.
Makena’s advocacy for greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ people is especially important in a country like Kenya, where being a member of the queer community is often stigmatized and taboo.
Despite the recent Supreme Court decision to allow the registration of LGBTQ organizations as NGOs, many LGBTQ individuals in Kenya still face discrimination and even violence from members of their own communities.
Makena also highlighted the need for education and awareness-raising efforts around issues of sexuality and gender identity, particularly in schools. By incorporating LGBTQ issues into the curriculum, she argued, young people can develop a better understanding of diversity and learn to celebrate differences instead of stigmatizing them.
