Homosexuals Thursday launched a book in their bid to be recognised and accepted in Kenya.
This comes barely two weeks after award-winning writer Binyavanga Wainaina went public that he is gay.
Invisible: Stories From Kenya’s Queer Community has been written by
former journalist and member of the gay activist community Kevin
Mwachiro.
The 114-page book comprises stories about some Kenyans who have allegedly been subjected to torture for being gays or lesbians.
According to Mr Mwachiro, 40, there are several homosexuals in Kenya
who have not revealed their sexuality for fear of being rejected in
society.
He was addressing hundreds of lesbians and gays during the book
launch in Nairobi. The launch was attended by several homosexual
activists from Kenya and other parts of the world.
Mr Mwachiro said homosexuals in the country had been denied the
opportunity to tell their stories and even determine how they want
depicted in society.
“I hope this book will enable society to understand that homosexuals
are found in every part of Kenya. It will also make gays and lesbians
understand that they are not alone,” said the Daystar University
graduate and former BBC World Service correspondent.
“The grey cover of the book has a foot that you cannot tell whether
it is a man’s or a woman’s. Therefore, it means you cannot know
somebody’s sexuality by just seeing him or her walking on the street,”
he explained.
Kenya is among several African countries that have prohibited
same-sex marriages. However, homosexuals argue that gayism and
lesbianism are enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution where
each person has a right of association.
“This book will go a long way in making the society around us accept what we are,” said Mr Wainaina, who attended the event.
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