Kenya is one of the only countries in Africa to accept refugees who flee persecution due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Despite this, same-sex relations are still illegal in the country, and LGBTIQ individuals face significant challenges and discrimination.
Kenya also hosts one of the world's largest refugee populations, nearly 700,000, according to the European Commission. Refugees also face extreme obstacles, discrimination, and barriers both in Kenya and globally.
To address some of these challenges, ORAM offers a variety of programs and services to protect, support, and advocate for LGBTIQ refugees in Kenya and beyond. One of the first ways ORAM began this crucial work was by providing support to LGBTIQ refugee-owned businesses, work that we proudly continue today.
Earlier this year, ORAM embarked on a new angle to this work, partnering with established LGBTIQ Kenyan businesses to employ and provide on-the-job training to LGBTIQ refugees. ORAM's Project Assistant in Nairobi, Priscilla Kendi, shared, "...after only one month of engaging in the jobs, four [ORAM] clients made considerable progress in honing three different skills, demonstrating creativity and dedication."
One of the business owners, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared Priscilla's reflection on the partnership. "One client I'm always [working] with, he is so respectful. It's very easy to work with them. They are ready to have [a] change. 'I want to know this, is this right?’ he asks me. He wants to know what should be done," he said.
He owns a barbershop near a university in Nairobi. A friend who works at an NGO told him about ORAM and this partnership opportunity. As a member of the LGBTIQ community himself, the mission resonated with him. "We have the same sexual orientation status. They are feeling what I am feeling. I have this opportunity to mentor the community," he said on his decision to partner with ORAM to provide job opportunities to LGBTIQ refugees.
In addition to the barbershop, the other two businesses selected to mentor and employ LGBTIQ refugees included a photography and catering business. "[ORAM] and its mission are so near to my heart," the catering business owner shared.
"Because of their dedication, punctuality, and hard work, ORAM's clients have the potential to engage beyond the project," Priscilla reported. "The clients displayed a strong commitment to learning and are easy collaborators. And the host businesses have been very accommodating to the clients," she shared on the possibility for ORAM clients to continue their employment in the local businesses.
Despite the successes of the partnership, there are still challenges. "It's very hard for them to get money and sometimes they feel like it's difficult to save money," the barbershop owner shared with ORAM.
One of the LGBTIQ refugees receiving mentorship and employment with the photography business echoed that sentiment. "It's going well...but there are some problems that I am going through, such as paying for [housing] and the work equipment we use," he shared.
For some of the Kenyan business owners, discrimination and persecution remain challenges they face in their daily lives. "I cannot say I'm safe. I cannot go out in public and say I'm proud to be LGBTQ," the barbershop owner shared about his fear of harassment and persecution based on his sexual orientation.
Incredibly, the LGBTIQ Kenyan business owners express hope for the future of all LGBTIQ people in the country. "When someone knows who you are and learns your identity, it can be easier for them to accept you," the barbershop owner shared.
"LGBTIQ refugees need a lot of support for a safe life," he added on the importance of helping queer refugees rebuild their lives.
Thank you to the LGBTIQ Kenyan business owners for their mentorship and for providing job opportunities to LGBTIQ refugees in Nairobi.
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