Yesterday we spent some time with LGBTIQ refugees who had fled Kakuma Refugee Camp, facing harassment and violence. There were more people, however, who fled for the same reasons – but because they left outside of official channels, they weren’t allowed into the new safe space the whole group was a part of.
New to Nairobi without any belongings, food, money, or contacts, they were forced to camp outside.
One of the first things our team did once we were in Nairobi was visit this small group of people.
We learned that they were struggling to get the support they needed. Many of them had not eaten in days.
So we acted quickly, ordering food and drinks for everyone, assisted with medications and jumpers. We also connected them with local LGBTIQ community based organizations that operate safe houses, so that they could finally have a place to stay.
