It was a colorful evening in the city of Nairobi as individuals from Kenya’s LGBT Community were celebrated at the 2019 edition of the Upinde Awards. The annual event is organized by The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, an independent human rights institution that exists to realize legal and policy reforms towards equality and full inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya. It was also done in partnership with the Canadian High Commission in Kenya.
Formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Awards, the Upinde Awards Gala is an annual event that acknowledges the contribution of NGOs, LGBTIQ-GNC organizations, development partners, institutions, private sectors, and individuals in Kenya while honoring politicians, employers, business leaders, journalists, and other allies who are committed to empowering and protecting LGBTIQ persons as well as advancing equality and social acceptance for all sexual and gender minorities in the country.
Njeri Gateru is the Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. For her, organizing the awards is very affirming, not just for her but also for the organization.
“This event is queerly African, very deliberate, and offers a special space in our hearts,” she said
“It has been one of the greatest gifts, and it is amazing to do social justice work and see how it grows. Of course, we have new nominees, awards, and categories every year. But, we also have people doing amazing things consistently towards equality, and it is one of the most affirming things.”
The Upinde Awards also does a great job showcasing individuals in the movement who have found new and innovative ways to fill in the gaps when it comes to access to full rights for LGBTIQ citizens. Win Njueh is in charge of external communications and media relations for NGLHRC and believes putting the spotlight on these individuals will inspire others in the community.
“First, this is a safe space and an avenue for people to have fun. With the laws as they are, there are limitations to freedom. However, you can see drag queens are here as their authentic selves, and they might not be able to walk into a regular club and express as they are.” She said
“It also celebrated that your work is not in vain and your community sees you. It is also a tool of encouragement to other human rights defenders to speak up.”
Kelly Kigera, the coordinator of the Utunzi Security Network, an innovative platform that receives and records violations against the LGBT community, picked up the Chanzo Award that celebrates young human rights defenders. For him, the awards are a call for community members to do more.
“This means a lot to me as it not only shows that the work I am doing is being recognized but also to motivate the community to help others when it comes to security and human rights.”
The winners at the awards are:
Shujaa Award (Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated immense acts of courage in their protection of the human rights of LGBTIQ persons. The Award may also be awarded posthumously) – Solomon Wambua
Nguzo Award (Recognising funding partners, government agencies/departments, allies, family members, media, LGBTIQ individuals, and institutions whose financial, technical, and in-kind support has helped make significant contributions to the health, rights, and well-being of LGBTIQ individuals in Kenya) – Marie Ramtu
Chanzo Award (Award recognizing and appreciating the human rights work of young and upcoming human rights defenders and initiatives who are unafraid to stand up and speak for human rights) – Kelly Kigera
Utumishi Award Winner (honors innovative partnerships in service delivery and engagement within the LGBTIQ rights movement) – The Spread Podcast
Ubunifu Award (presented to a person, organization, or platform that uses creativity as a site of activism whether through visual arts, storytelling, podcasting, blogging, or other forms of media arts or communication) – Carlo Kui
One of the winners of the night, Carlo Kui, is a writer and poet based in Nairobi. She writes a lot about lesbian love and relationships. For her, Upinde affirms the queer creative.
“The Upinde Awards inspires us to keep doing what we do. They have encouraged us artists with this award because sometimes it’s hard to keep going. After all, society finds it hard to accept us. I think it also motivates me to do more. I want to create a bigger platform for queer writers to put out their work in a safe space.” She said.
