In Kenya, and indeed in Africa, there exists a large number of gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons. We may be a minority but we do make up a percentage of the population. One does not choose to be part of any of the clusters mentioned above; one simply IS in the cluster they are in. However, this group of persons suffers greatly from various forms of injustice from every angle. Just because a man is different, he is beaten up by a mob. Just because a woman is different, she is raped so as to conform to the norm. Just because a person is intersex, they are placed in isolation in prison for months on end. The LGBTI community also makes up a section of the citizenry that pay taxes. It makes up a section of the citizenry that provides services. It makes up a section of the citizenry without which several industries will not survive. We are a people who have a function in society. We are a people who have families. We have people who depend on us. We have people who love us, not just because of our sexual orientation or gender identities, but because we are people. Because we are all that, because we are different, because we are a community, we are a part of this great country, we are Kenyans. Kenya may not constitutionally be a Christian nation but it does have a great number of Christians. Among the Christians are persons within the LGBTI community. The Bible contains parts, interpretations of which may create the impression that homosexuals are evil. The same Bible also says that we shouldn’t judge others lest we be judged ourselves. Christianity’s core principle is love. Christ taught mankind to love their neighbor as they love themselves. Christ taught that we should love each other because we know that we are forever loved by him. Christ taught that we should do to others what we would have them do to us. Saint Paul taught that love does no harm to its neighbor making love the fulfillment of the law. He taught that love is patient and kind and doesn’t envy nor boast nor is it proud. He taught that love is not self-seeking nor does it keep a record of wrongs. He taught that love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. The Bible teaches that above all, we should love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. With all that in mind, let us remember that whatever position you take towards homosexuality, towards the intersex, towards the transgender community, hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.
An Open Letter to Presidential Candidates
