Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender are represented by the first four letters of the often-used acronym, LGBTQ. The letter Q can be interpreted as either “questioning” (as in still researching one’s sexuality) or “queer,” or occasionally both.
LGBTQ matters have become a huge debate over the years among many people and in different countries worldwide, but it is what it is and in these changing times, several Kenyan celebrities have come out and declared they are queer as they are described.
They are in our families, they are our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, even friends; and we can’t continue pretending of their that they exist among us anymore, just like they’ve respected us, it’s only right to respect their choices as well.
In Kenya, all is good, we co-exist as we should.
Today, popular lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC, pointed out that, the previous regime led by president Uhuru Kenyatta had five LGBTQ public servants who served diligently and wonders why they’ve been excluded by the Kenya Kwanza government under president William Ruto.
Ahmednasir says, “H.E @WilliamsRuto must be called out for excluding members of the LBGTQ from his govt. Contrast this with Uhuru’s commendable policy. Uhuru’s cabinet had 5 LBGTQ members & over 12 senior staff in State House/Office of the President. President Ruto has ZER0…YES ZERO!”
Famous public figures who’ve announced that they are queer include, Sauti Sol’s singer, Chimano, rapper Noti Flow, and Human Rights Activist, and actress Makena Njeri among others.
As we continue to argue for and against lifestyles and especially LGBTQ issues, respect should be cut both ways.
Over the years, the church has also faced challenges, in coming to terms with the existence of queer members among their top leadership.
Good thing is, they’ve managed to understand, that this life has no balance, things happen and many a time we have no control over it.
In this article, I’ve highlighted pastors who over the years have come out and declared boldly, that they are proud LGBTQ members, even as they continue to serve their Churches.
1. Pastor Justimore Musombi – Quaker
2. Pastor Jacinta Nzilani – Cosmopolitan Affirming Church
3. Pastor David Ochal – Cosmopolitan Affirming Church
4. Pastor Edwin – Lutheran Church
“Gays and lesbians are children of God and created in his image,” Pastor Makokha of the Riruta Hope Community Church said years ago in an interview; when he opened doors to all LGBTQ members to join the Church and feel at home.
“They should be accepted and affirmed as such. They deserve a place to worship and serve God,” Makohka said.
Along with other religious leaders, the Cosmopolitan Affirming Community Church is fighting against discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in places of worship and for the freedom of speech of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, LGBTQ remains illegal in Kenya, and the religious clergy from all religions generally speak out strongly against it.
Read Also: 5 things that make Kikuyu women irresistible for marriage
