Maama Makeba, a trans refugee and the Executive Director of Matasia Trans Capability in Nairobi, has not only carved out space for herself in a society that too often silences voices like hers — but she's also created space for others to shine.
Late last year, Maama Makeba organized the first-ever INUKA LGBTIQ+ Refugee Awards in Kenya — a vibrant celebration recognizing the resilience, leadership, and community contributions of LGBTIQ refugees and the organizations supporting them. "Inuka," which means "rise up" in Swahili, was Maama Makeba's call-to-action to her community.
Maama Makeba's journey to that stage began long before the first award was handed out. "I used to see award shows in Uganda," she told me. "People were being acknowledged for what they did—especially in music. And I thought, 'How can I do this for my community? How can I show LGBTIQ+ refugees that they are seen and that their work matters?'"
That idea stayed with her. When she joined Matasia Trans Capability and stepped into a leadership role, she began dreaming bigger. With the support of a grant from the International Trans Fund, she proposed an award ceremony that would center LGBTIQ+ refugees — not only as recipients of aid, but as changemakers, creatives, organizers, and community leaders.
Organizing the INUKA Awards wasn't easy. Queer-friendly venues in Kenya are hard to come by, and budget constraints were constant. As Maama Makeba explained, the cost of everything from awards to branding materials skyrocketed after the proposal was approved — and suppliers often assumed that because the event was "LGBTIQ," there must be extra money to spend. On top of that, there were serious security concerns.
Still, Maama Makeba didn't waver.
"I learned that when you're determined, everything can work out," she said. "Even when people didn't believe it was possible—even when I felt alone — I knew we had to do this."
The night of the INUKA Awards, Maama Makeba was nervous. She arrived early to begin setting up, wondering if anyone would come. "I was thinking so much," she said. "Will this happen? Will people show up?"
But then the guests began arriving — one by one, and then all at once. More than 100 people filled the venue: LGBTIQ refugees, Kenyan allies, community-based organizations, and ORAM staff. They laughed, they danced, they shared food and stories. And most importantly — they honored each other.
Winners weren't chosen behind closed doors; they were voted in by the community. "These were our awards," Maama Makeba said. "It was the refugee community voting for organizations and individuals who made an impact in 2024. That's what made it powerful."
The event was a success — not just in turnout or logistics, but in spirit. "We're always told we're vulnerable, that we're poor, that we don't matter," Maama said. "But through this event, through these awards, we said: We are here. We are visible. And we are valuable."
Looking ahead, Maama Makeba is already dreaming bigger. Her goal for the 2025 INUKA Awards is to expand the event to include LGBTIQ refugee communities across Africa — from Uganda to Malawi to South Africa — and recognize trans activists around the globe. "People like Dominique Jackson," she said. "They've done so much. We may not have money to pay them — but we can acknowledge them."
In the lead-up to Transgender Day of Visibility, which takes place on March 31st, Maama Makeba's message is especially powerful.
"Visibility means showing the world that I exist. Even if people don't want to see me, I'm still here. I'm a trans woman. I'm a refugee. I'm a leader. And I'm not hiding."
For more information about the 2025 INUKA LGBTIQ+ Award Ceremony, please connect with Matasia Trans Capability on Facebook, Instagram, or X/Twitter.
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