When we went live with The Rustin Times in 2017, the goal was to tell authentic stories of the LGBTQ experience across the African continent. “I was on a flight to Nairobi to attend a training with activists from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. I hadn’t done much advocacy, but I was desperate to start. I was this journalist working for a notable media company, but it was like I wasn’t using my platform for good. On the trip to Nairobi, I decided to do something — to create something for the community and play my part in advocating for my community,” Harry Itie, the founder of The Rustin Times, writes in the second-year anniversary editorial.
Since then, we have published over 600 news articles, in-depth journalism, Op-Eds, interviews, personal stories from LGBTQ+ persons and allies across the continent.
As part of our Pride Month Special, where we list some of the most impactful people and work in the LGBTQ+ space in Africa, we’ll be highlighting 10 of our most impactful stories. These are stories that we are most proud of, stories that give you an idea of where Africa is on the LGBTQ+ cause, where LGBTQ+ Africans are, what they are doing, how they are thriving (or not).
*Click on the heading of each piece to read the full article.
Inside the Kenyan Church for the LGBT Community
Excerpt: For the Christians in Kenya’s LGBTIQ community, this is a safe space for them to love God and practice the faith that mainstream Christianity has said they can’t have because of their sexuality and gender identity. The church is also working with other faith leaders to fight discrimination against LGBTIQ people in religious institutions and to also fight for the rights for people to have freedom of expression, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Out of the frying pan into the fire – The plight of Transgender refugees at Kakuma Camp
In this story, Nigerian Journalist, PETER OKEUGO reports that Gay and Transgender refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma Camp, in their search for safety and protection, fled homophobic attacks in Uganda, only to meet doom in what should be a safe haven. This report was a follow up to Emmanuel Sadi’s interview with Tobias Pellicciari on the situation of LGBT refugees in the camp.
Out, Proud, and African – A series
The Out, Proud, and African series is where we publish interviews with some of our favourite Out, Proud, Africans. The series curates stories of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora who are out, visible and living their truths. We recognise that to be out as an African is difficult and we celebrate these individuals at the forefront of the fight for equality.
The Upinde Awards is a celebration of Kenya’s Vibrant LGBT Community
Excerpt: 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 honouring 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.
Kenyan activist, Kevin Mwachiro is our 2019 Pride Month Personality
In 2019, we announced Kenyan LGBT activist, Kevin Mwachiro, as our Pride Month Personality. In this feature, The Rustin Times’ Editor-in-Chief, Boye Black, speaks to him on his journey as an activist and the importance of using the media as a tool to bring social change.
Coming Out is still a dream for many LGBT Nigerians #NationalComingOutDay
Excerpt: Coming out is not compulsory but it is necessary. It is important because it lets a young LGBTQ person in Jigawa know that they are not alone and that it actually gets better. Visibility has a way of encouraging and inspiring people and NCOD does that well.
#OwodeArrest: How 70 alleged gay men were arrested in Lagos
Excerpt: Speaking on the development, a spokesperson for TIERs stated that: “There is no concrete evidence for the arrest of these persons that is why they say they are ‘caught in the act’. These men were just out having a good time.”
How to use Grindr (and other dating apps) in Africa
Excerpt: Do not be afraid to use the block button when the conversation starts to take a weird turn. The good thing is when you block someone on Grindr, they lose all the information they have of you (unless they took screenshots).
Activists across Africa pay tribute to Aunty Ivy, a pioneer of the African LGBT movement
Emmanuel Kamau or Aunty Ivy as they were popularly known to the community both in Kenya and across Africa, was one of the founder members of the oldest gay group in Kenya ISHTAR MSM, which was founded in 1999. Aunty Ivy had been living in the States for the last twelve years. A resident of Dallas, Texas, Aunty Ivy fell ill in April 2019 and sadly passed on the 17th December 2019, a few days before their 48th birthday.
Eyewitness narrates how about 80 allegedly gay persons were arrested in Lagos.
Excerpt: “They arrested over 80 people out of the almost 200 persons in attendance, they also went away with phones and money. I was with 2 ladies after the police left and people’s started coming out from their hiding places but unfortunately thugs had heard what was going on and showed up to harass the people left. Luckily for me, one of the ladies I was with paid the thugs five thousand naira and we left there unharmed. When I left the thugs were beating the other guys and I heard the police would be taking those arrested to Ikeja or Oshodi police station.”
