Caroline, leading an intersectional feminist movement in Kenya

07-02-2022

Kenya still criminalizes same-sex relations. As a result, LGBTQAI+ persons face violence, stigma and discrimination in their communities and in accessing services.

Caroline Rucah is a Kenyan LGBTQAI+ rights defender from Kenya and former guest of Shelter City Utrecht. Caroline is the Executive Director of the Western Kenya LBQT Feminist Forum, a womxn-led intersectional feminist organization. They advocate for more inclusive policies, work to change the general perception on LGBTQAI+ persons, and to guarantee access to healthcare for LGBTQAI+ persons.

Because of their work, Caroline has received many threats during their years of activism. During their stay in Shelter City Utrecht, they had the opportunity to focus on their wellbeing, raise awareness on the situation of LGBTQAI+ persons in Kenya, and engage with allies.

Being a queer person and LGBTQAI+ rights advocate

In this documentary with Shelter City Utrecht partner, PBI Nederland, Caroline shares their experiences on what it is like to be a queer person in Kenya and to be leading an intersectional feminist movement, with all the risks involved.

We thank Caroline for sharing their journey, for shining a spotlight on all LGBTQAI+ individuals through their advocacy, and for dedicating themselves to a more fair world.