In a country where queer identities remain criminalized under archaic laws, a powerful movement is rising, and its leaders are now trained, equipped, and ready to challenge injustice at the grassroots. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), in partnership with Minority Women in Action (MWA), Cosmopolitan Affirming Community, ISHTAR, and other allies, recently hosted an Advanced Paralegal Training to empower community advocates with legal literacy and hands-on skills to document, respond to, and prevent rights violations against LGBTQ+ Kenyans.
Fifteen fierce and dedicated members representing MWA’s five chapters completed the training and graduated with certification, a milestone that signals not just personal achievement, but collective liberation.
“This training is crucial for MWA members and queer Kenyan folks facing discrimination by the justice system,” said Alma, an MWA representative. “For years, our community has been brutalized in silence, now we have trained paralegals within our own networks who can fight back using the law.”
Why This Matters
The Kenyan Penal Code specifically Sections 162, 163, and 165 criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. This legal reality makes queer individuals vulnerable to blackmail, violence, and denial of justice.
“These outdated laws directly affect LGBTQ+ individuals, including human rights defenders, by fueling discrimination, violence, and arbitrary arrests,” noted Leah Scarlet, who emphasized the urgent need for legal reform. “They conflict with constitutional protections under Articles 27 and 28 the right to equality and dignity.”
Graduates Speak: Voices of Impact
The reflections of the new paralegals reveal not only a depth of learning but a readiness to apply their knowledge in urgent, real-world contexts.
“As a Community Justice Advocate, I have learnt that apart from being queer, we are human beings protected by the Constitution of Kenya,” said Grace. “Using this information, one can report abuse to the police or contact organizations like NGLHRC or GALCK+ for legal support.”
From immediate crisis response to long-term legal empowerment, the graduates are equipped to act.
“If a queer person experiences physical violence, my first step is ensuring their safety,” said Luobae. “Next, I help them report to the nearest police station and connect them to support services.”
Ateezy echoed this: “If the incident is ongoing, I alert emergency responders, accompany the survivor to a safe space, and document everything for legal follow-up.”
Tools for Change
Legal education must be accessible. Wanjohi distilled complex employment rights into clear, relatable terms:
“Being fired or harassed because you’re queer is a violation of your constitutional rights. Article 41 guarantees fair labor practices — that means dignity, safety, and equal pay at work.”
To consistently spread legal awareness, Bri emphasized:
“We must use simplified language, visual tools like memes, and real-life scenarios to educate our communities. Social media is a powerful legal education tool.”
Advocacy Meets Accountability
Several graduates spoke about turning legal knowledge into direct advocacy:
“I will bridge the gap between LGBTI individuals and the justice system,” said Wakesho Langali. “I’ll offer free legal advice, support individuals during legal processes, and document violations to hold duty bearers accountable.”
Ann Wanjiku (Chikaya) is focused on community empowerment:
“I will train peer paralegals, engage duty bearers like police and healthcare providers, and use media to raise visibility of LGBTQ+ struggles and victories.”
Care for the Caregivers
Recognizing the emotional toll of this work, Machira Connie shared strategies for resilience:
“Setting clear boundaries, building peer support groups, practicing mindfulness, and seeking therapy are essential to avoid burnout. Justice work must include self-care.”
A Movement Rising
As these 15 newly certified paralegals now carry more than certificates, they carry the hopes of a community long denied justice. They are the new legal lifeline for queer Kenyans navigating a hostile system.
“We are no longer powerless,” said Irene Kinya. “We now know our rights, and we will defend them for ourselves and for others.”
The impact of this training will reverberate beyond the courtroom. It will be felt in safer homes, in fairer workplaces, in brave reports filed, and in every queer person who now has someone to turn to when the law is used against them.
As we move toward the upcoming virtual training on case management and crisis response coordination in July 2025, these graduates will serve as the cornerstone of a bolder, more legally informed LGBTQ+ movement in Kenya.
Minority Women in Action celebrates this collective achievement and recommits to growing a powerful network of community justice advocates ready to transform not just the law, but lives.