The Gay & Lesbian Coalition of

Kenya (GALCK)
Reloaded

The Birth of the GALCK Reloaded Taskforce (GRT)

In January 2013, the unanimous call by member groups for the revival of GALCK gave birth to the GALCK Reloaded Taskforce (GRT), whose goal was not simply to get GALCK to where it used to be but to take it to the
next level. Initially the GRT, consisting solely of volunteers, had six months (1st February 31st July) in which
to work a miracle. Given that miracles are best left to deities, six months was not enough. While the GRT grew
from six to 11 volunteers and substantial ground was covered, there were still critical re-building blocks that
needed to be put in place before GALCK could be deemed stable enough to be discharged from its Intensive
Care Unit . Taking into account the loss of two months (March and April - due to the Kenya General Election
2013), the GRT six-month term in reality covered February, May, June, July, August and September 2013.

The GRT II
At the end of its first six-month term, upon an assessment of what was left pending, 11 community and member organization representatives again volunteered their time and services to conclude what the original GRT
had started at the beginning of 2013. The majority of member groups granted the taskforce a second 12-month
term of office (ending September 2014). This second and final phase of the GRT/GALCK transition process
has taken off at an incredible and somewhat daunting pace. The slate of what needs to be covered has since
grown and is staggering That said, no matter how steep the hill, the GRT, staunchly backed by its member
organizations and ever-growing support from development partners, friends and allies intends to succeed in
raising the phoenix named GALCK from the ashes and successfully launching it into a long and remarkable
future .

GALCK Forensic Audit 2011/2012

Premised on the member organizations rejection of the 2011 Annual Financial Audit Statement presented by
the last administration, an independent forensic audit was commissioned by HIVOS, LLH and OSIEA. It was
conducted by PKF Accountants and Business Advisors from December 2012 to June 2013.
In response to the findings of the report, the GRT immediately embarked on an internal consultation with the 14
GALCK member organizations on actions going forward. Given the strict confidentiality of the forensic audit
report, the sharing of the brief summary of its findings to the community was a demonstration of GALCK holding itself accountable to its member organizations and the community at large.

The GRT II
Lorna Dias has a background in Art, Education and Psychology. She does not know
how to spell or pronounce the word
'controversy' nor understand why such a fuss
is necessary in the 21st Century. She is driven by honesty, fairness and justice and espouses diversity in all things .

Lorna Dias
GRT Team Lead

The latter, having shaped some colourful

experiences in NGO administration; diplomatic mission work; teaching; the cottage
craft industry; community organizing and
presently, peer-led grant making; sexual and

gender minority coalition restructuring and

HIV and AIDS programming for key populations - from NGO through to government level .
Having been through the now defunct National Youth Service pre-university program,
she has used the ensuing strength of mind,
body and spirit to push boundaries and
nudge away obstacles that hinder the advancement and growth of socially marginalized groups and communities. And for her,
the fun has only just begun .

Peter Njane has a background in IT. He start- has been steadfast in the advancement of
ed off as a volunteer and later a peer educa- Sexual health & rights of all MSMs in Kenya.
tor for Ishtar-MSM. Peter later joined the Besides being an activist for the rights of
NACC technical working group as a repre- LGBT people and passionate about empowsentative of the MSM and youth. He is a cer- ering and transforming their livelihood, Peter
tified trainer of trainees specifically for MSM is one who takes no for an answer. Once he
and while at Ishtar, has supported the train- puts his mind to something he will be sure to
ing of other MSMs as TOTs. Peter Njane was achieve it. He is the GRT Finance docket
among the first inaugural board members of lead.

Peter Njane
Finance/HR Docket
Lead

GALCK. As the Director of Ishtar-MSM Peter

Jonah Chinga is a native of central a number of volunteer opportunities

Kenya and has lived there since birth. and community leadership roles. Jonah
Jonah has been the Administration Of- received his advanced certificate in
ficer of Minority Persons Empowerment human resource from Kenya Institute of
Group (M.P.E.G) since 2010 and the Management and is pursuing his Bachchair-person to The Gay & Lesbian elor of International Business AdminJonah Chinga
GRT Communication &
Coordination

Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) for 2013. istration from the United States InternaHis diverse background and focus on tional University.
community collaboration has led him to
More in Page 4

The GRT II
Esther Adhiambo is a Human Rights defender
working as the Programs Coordinator of Persons Marginalized and Aggrieved (PEMA Kenya) an LGBT organization based in Mombasa,
Kenya whose mission is, To promote harmony,
by empowering the community on the existence of sexual and gender minorities through
providing capacity building and advocacy on
social, health, legal and economic issues.
Esther started her advocacy while still in Nairobi more than six years ago, and she became
active in defending the rights of gender and
sexual minorities in 2009 when she moved

from Nairobi to Mombasa and Joined PEMA

Kenya as a member she was later to be appointed by the then Sitting Board in April 2010
as the Programs Coordinator a position she
holds up until now.
Esther has steered PEMA Kenya to start dialogue with the Police and religious leaders
within coast province on the Human rights of
gender and sexual minorities, she sits in the
coast province technical working group on
(Most at risk populations) MARPS, and she
also sits on the Board of Gays and Lesbians
Coalition of Kenya since 2010 to date.

Immah Reid is the Programs Director at Artistes for Recognition and Acceptance (AFRA)
Kenya, which is an organization of lesbian,
bisexual and queer women that uses artist as
an advocacy tool on sexual orientation and
gender expression minorities matters while
engaging in provision of psychological and social support.

Esther Adhiambo
Programs Docket Co-Lead

Taskforce on sex workers harassment by city

council officers and writing for the Freedom in
Speech LGBTI magazine. Currently she volunteers at the GALCK Reloaded Team on the
Multi Tier Approach to equality in Kenya.

She runs her blog (immahreid.blogspot.com)

that features Kenyan queer life and the attempts of authentic life among minorities in
Previous work and engagements within sexual- Kenya. Other interests include art, poetry, psyity matters includes: being a Research Officer chology and research.
at GALCK, Chairing the Nairobi City Council
Immah Reid
Programs Docket: MTA

"Yvonne Oduor a trained journalist and a strong wiled activist is a crusader for
equality and human rights for all. She continues to work with the LGB community in
Kenya and derives passion from trying to make Africa a friendlier place for the current & future LGBT persons.
Yvonne is the communications person for Ishtar-MSM and volunteers at AFRA
Kenya and None on Records. She lives by the words of one of the greatest men
who ever lived, It always seems impossible until its done~ Nelson Mandela"

Yvonne Oduor
Admin Docket Lead

The GRT II
He is an agile and passionate young Brian has since harnessed and horned
urbanite who brings joy to those around numerous skills in NGO building and
him. He is an easy going young lad, a development. As a young activist, he
good listener and is an exquisite ome- envisions a safe and enabling society
lette maker extraordinaire. His love for where the LGBT as treated with dignity
the LGBT community in Kenya and the and are accorded equal rights as the
zeal to create a safe and enabling envi- larger society. Presently Brian volunronment for them saw Brian volunteer- teers in the GRT communications docking at Ishtar-MSM for 6 months before et and will soon be graduating with a
proceeding to intern at GALCK in 2012. B.A in Journalism.
Brian Macharia
Communications Docket
Co-Lead

Jane has been involved in lesbian, gay She is externally overseeing the Proand bisexual (LGB) organizing efforts in grams and Communications docket at
Kenya since 2010. She holds a Bachelor KELEGA Youth Empowerment and Eduof Science Degree in Communications cation (Gay Kenya Trust), a position she
and Public Relations from the Moi Uni- has held for the last two years. Her main
versity, Kenya.

Currently, Jane is on responsibilities are to fundraise and build

sabbatical leave, and is serving as a partnerships with allies committed to the

Global Engagement Fellow at the Hu- cause for equality for sexual minority
man Rights Campaign (HRC) in Wash- persons in Kenya.
ington DC.

Jane Wothaya
Former Operation Co-Lead
Supporting from Afar

Gigi louisa, a trained social worker and strong wilded human rights activist
who advocates for equity and equality of human rights for all . She continues
to work with the LGB community in Kenya and derives courage and passion
from trying to make Kenya and Africa a friendlier place for the current and
future of LGBTI persons.
Louisa is working with the equality and non- discrimination program at the
Kenya Human Rights Comission and volunteers with GALCK as the programs officer in charge of capacity building.
Gigi Louisa
Programs Docket: Capacity
Building

"Hate cannot drive; only love can do that"

The GRT II

Susan Lewis is a human right activist with

experience in minority and LGB issues. She
currently works with GALCK as the Finance
co-lead. She holds a major in accounting and
business studies and has been involved in
the third exchange program between Queer
youth and GALCK. She is intertwines with
LGB organizations in Kenya like The Rainbow Women and AFRA-Kenya and actively
works to see positive change with the
LGBTIQ rights. She is a keen writer, loves

soccer and has acquired her love for herbal

tea. Her motivation comes from her mum,
sister and the friends she has. They inspire
her to tackle the everyday challenges in her
community.
Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights.
Get up stand up, dont give up the fight.

Susan Lewis
Finance Docket Co-Lead

GALCK Member Groups:

Minority Women In Action: MWA
Minority Women in Action was formed in 2006 as a result of a conference organized by the Urgent Action Fund organization and other
partners that brought together Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) individuals from East Africa.
It became clear after the conference that womens issues were not treated as a priority in gay and lesbian rights and that there was a
need for an organization that catered specifically to LBTI women, thus the birth of MWA.
Mission/ Objectives
MWAs mission is to improve societys knowledge and appreciation of LBTIs. It aims to advocate for the rights of LBTI women in Kenya
and to educate these individuals on their human rights. In addition, MWA looks to empower LBTI women on their sexual health and to
build capacity within their social and professional work.
Areas of Work/ Interest
Policy Engagement, access to comprehensive Health Rights and services, sensitization and
advocacy through education on issues affecting LBTIs Community and Capacity Building
Contact: info@minoritywomeninaction.ac.ke
Website www.minoritywomeninaction.ac.ke

The GALCK Member Groups

Ishtar MSM
Ishtar was formed in 1997 after the staging of the play Cleopatra at the Kenya National Theatre. This
was as a means of creating an entry point to the lives of Men who have sex with Men [MSM] in Nairobi
and developing an atmosphere of trust and openness. In 2002, Ishtar was registered with the Ministry of
Social Services as a self-help group.
Mission/ Objectives
The MISSION of the organization is to advance the sexual health rights of MSM and reduce stigma and
discrimination by creating general awareness with the aim of empowering the MSM community and the
society at large, advocating for the rights to good health, access to STI/HIV and AIDS related care and
treatment in Kenya.
Areas of Work/ Interest
Capacity Building, Research, Communication Strategy, Health and Social Services, Advocacy and Policy Development, Monitoring and
Evaluation, MSM Social Well Being, TOT (training of trainers)
Contact Email info@ishtarmsm.org, Website www.ishtarmsm.org

Kenya Youth Development and Education Support Association (KYDESA)

KYdesa, is an LGBTI organization In Nakuru, Kenya which was founded in April of 2009. The
organization focuses on Human Rights for LGBTI individuals including sexual and reproductive
health and HIV prevention.
Mission/ Objectives
To achieve Human Rights, Education and HIV response for all people and especially for the Youth
through their participation and involvement. KYDESA envisions a society with equal access to
education and health services. It aims to achieve Human Rights equality by providing leadership and
a voice for the community.
Areas of Work/ Interest
HIV prevention, LGBTI Health, MSM, MSW, WSW, IDU
Contact http://www.facebook.com/kydesa.nakuru

Email: kayadesa@gmail.com

Kenya Campus Ladies Association (KCLA) formerly Les Bos

KCLA is an organization of women-who-love-women in Kenyan higher education institutions formed in January 2011.
Mission/ Objectives
KCLA aims to provide opportunities that promote connection, communication, community, and supports the
development and well-being of Kenyan women-who-love women. The organization also seeks to address the
problems that young women including lesbians, bisexuals and WSW face. Its objectives are to motivate women to develop leadership skills, artistic skills and improve their socioeconomic situation
Areas of Work/ Interest
At the moment, the organization is working among the students of universities in Nairobi, but it seeks to expand its work to the rest of the country.
Contact Email lesbos@vijana.org, Website www.lesbos.vijana.org

The GALCK Member Groups

Minority Persons Empowerment Group (MPEG)
MPEG was established in 2010 and is still in the process of establishing itself. The organization is
currently located in Thika town and works with LGBTI individuals in Central Province.
Misson/Objectives
To provide SRHR and strengthen efforts to men having sex with men in the region, to educate people
on sexual health and provide marginalized and minority people with necessary information. MPEG
also aims to make the voices of such people heard through capacity building and raising awareness.
Areas of Work/Interest
Peer education, health Education, HTC, condom and lubricant distribution, follow on SRHR services
Contact Email tkmpeg@gmail.com

Persons Marginalized and Aggrieved (PEMA KENYA)

PEMA Kenya (Formerly known as the Brotherhood) Mombasa's LGBT community-led organization was formed in June 2008 to cater for
gender and sexual minorities, who are most at risk due to high incidents of stigma and abuse
due to their sexual orientation, aggravated by poor access to health and legal services.
Mission/ Objectives
To provide support to LGBTIs in the context of Human Rights, Health, HIV/AIDS, and economic
well-being. In addition, PEMA Kenya aims to raise awareness, tolerance and acceptance of
LGBTI individuals and to teach the necessary skills to live comfortably with ones-self. PEMA
also wants to develop a referral system for LBGTI health needs.
Areas of Work/ Interest
Advocacy and human rights, Health including HIV services, Capacity building/empowerment
Contact Email pemakenya@gmail.com, Website http://pemakenya.kbo.co.ke/

Q-Initiative Eldoret
Q-Initiative was formed in early 2011 by a group of queer students drawn from Moi University Eldoret who
wanted to create a network of gays, bisexual men/ women and lesbians. This stemmed from the fact that
there was a population of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth around Eldoret who did not know where to get
other like-minded people or access services that were LGBTI friendly.
Mission/Objectives
To provide information on Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV and Rights. Raise awareness to the Lesbian,
Gay and Bisexual youth in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County through sensitizing Service Providers and the
target population on Sexual Reproductive Health needs and HIV, Educating the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual youth on their rights,
Areas of Work/ Interest
Update the members register and increase membership. Actively seek funding opportunities that will see
the group open up a resource center in their safe space. Reducing stigma and discrimination towards LGB from Service Providers
through holding quarterly forums with Service Providers and LGB persons.
Contact Email qinitiativeeldoret@gmail.com

The GALCK Member Groups

Tamba Pwani
Founded in November 2010, Tamba Pwani is a community based organization located in Kilifi town. The organization serves GBT men and MSW within Kilifi County (from Mtwapa to Malindi) to bring reforms through
trainings, workshops, experience sharing, media, in and out-reaches, in human rights and sexual health eradication, awareness, treatment and sensitization as it affects GBT & MSWs and empower them economically.
Mission/Objectives
To bring reforms through trainings, workshops, experience sharing, media, in and out-reaches, in human
rights and sexual health eradication, awareness, treatment and sensitization as it affects Gay men, Bisexual
men, Transgender and Male Sex Workers and empower them economically.
Areas of Work/Interest
Policy & advocacy, Legal Aid, Sexual Health, Social & Economic empowerment, Security protection
Contact Email tambapwani@yahoo.com

USAWA Kwa Wote Initiative (UKWELI) Mombasa

Faced with harassment from the police, and the general community, limited to access to LGBTI friendly healthy
services security concerns mob justice expulsion from home, school neighborhood, violent and even death of
members lead to the formation of USAWA kwa Wote Initiative(UKWELI) in June 2010 and registered in 2011.
Mission/Objectives
UKWELI is a service delivery organization and exist to offer HIV prevention, sexual and Reproductive health,
advocacy on social health and the gender minority in the south coast of Kenya in Kwale County. Moreover, the
organization is a member of Gay and Lesbian coalition of Kenya, the umbrella LGBTI coalition in Kenya
Contact Email Lawrence_wambua@yahoo.com

Upper Rift Minorities (URM)

Upper Rift Minorities was founded in 2009 after the death of two gay men who were mistreated at a health facility after it became apparent
that they had HIV/AIDS. URM is located in North-Western Kenya in Lodwar town. LGBT issues are seemingly more delicate in rural areas
of Kenya such as Lodwar, therefore highlighting the need for a safe space for the LGBTI community.
Mission/Objectives
Its mission is to provide a safe place for LGBTI people in the area and bridge the gap to mitigate vulnerability. The objectives are to improve the overall living standards of URMs members and to seek partnerships with like-minded people. The goal is to create a safe center
for LGBTI persons and advocate for the health rights of the most at risk populations, MSM and sex workers in particular.
Areas of Work/ Interest
HIV/AIDS and other health issues, LGBTI awareness
Contact upperriftminorities@gmail.com

The GALCK Member Groups

African Artists for Recognition and Acceptance (AFRA KENYA)

Formed in November 2008, Artists for recognition and acceptance (AFRA) Kenya is an organization of lesbian, bisexual and queer women. We use arts for advocacy on sexual minority and
gender identity matters and at the same time engage in programs that offer psychological and
social support.
Mission/ Objectives
AFRA works ultimately towards the acceptance and equality in our society. We use our art to speak and provide a safe
space within which sexuality can be discussed. Additionally we provide psycho-social support.
Vision
To create a safe space for LBQ women and improve their lives.
Contact Email info@afra-kenya.org, Website www.afra-kenya.org

The Gay Kenya Trust (GKT)

It is a human rights and media advocacy organization for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals committed to the defense of their civil liberties. Gay Kenya Trust was founded in 2004 and has been a member of GALCK since its creation.
Mission/ Objectives
Gay Kenya Trusts mission is to advocate for human rights and fight for legal reforms that will include all people and stop the discrimination of LBG individuals. The main objectives are to increase
LBG tolerance in society, to fight against all forms of discrimination and persecution against LBG
Kenyans, to provide information on LGB issues, and to create a support system for LGB persons.
Areas of Work/ Interest
In the field of LGB work, Gay Kenya Trust focuses on Lobbying, Human Rights Advocacy, Legal
Reform, Media Advocacy, community empowerment, and Research and Publications.
Contact Email gaykenyatrust@gmail.com, Website www.gaykenya.com

Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS & STIs (HOYMAS KENYA)
HOYMAS is a community based organization that was founded in May 2009 by male sex workers and people living with HIV and AIDS.
Initially it was a support group and club for male sex workers living with HIV and AIDS. The organization was also crucial in the creation of
Kenya Sex Workers Alliance which is Kenyas premier group for sex workers, male and female, and
trans people.
Mission/ Objectives
The organization addresses health, social and legal issues facing MSM living with HIV and AIDS.
Areas of Work/ Interest
List the fields in which the organization works in already or that it is interested to work in.
Contact Email info@hoymas.org, Website www.hoymas.org

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The GALCK
UHAI Mentorship
Arrangement

Reactivation of the MTA

In the beginning of June 2013, the GALCK

Reloaded Task Force (GRT) made a resolution to reactivate the long term project known
as Multi-Tier Approach towards Equality and
Non-Discrimination of LGBTI persons in Kenya, popularly known as the MTA.

In
September
2013, the GRT and
UHAI EASHRI formalized a fiscal
and
mentorship
hosting
arrangement which will be
in force for 12
months
(October
2013 September
2014). This is a
demonstration
of
GALCKs commitment towards transparent
and accountable financial management, and
towards institutionalizing robust organizational
systems and structures which were hitherto
lacking. It is also indicative of UHAI EASHRI s
confidence in and commitment to GALCKs
transition process and sustaining the evolution of the LGBT movement through the coalition. The first six months of the hosting arrangement will entail reviewing and strengthening GALCKs organizational management
systems, recruitment of personnel and institutionalization of good financial and operations
practices. The following six months will focus
on strengthening functioning with the view to
the GRTs exit. With UHAI EASHRIs technical
support, the GRT anticipates re-establishing a
lean, efficient, effective, transparent and accountable secretariat prior to its ultimate exit
in August 2014. Needless to say, the GRT will
also look to its other development partners
and allies for technical assistance in various
fields. Our belief is that TOGETHER, we can
move mountains.

In the face of growing public debates on gender and sexual diversities issues; an increase in the number of cases appearing in
the courts and the overall lack of coordination, the GRT felt that it was paramount to
reconstitute
the
Programming
Docket
through which the MTA shall be delivered.
Among the tasks is to spearhead an MTA review process to establish and improve the
efficacy of the strategy as is, as well as coordinate the strategic engagement of GALCK
and her constituents on public matters that
are of relevance to the projects overall
goals.
GRT on behalf of GALCK would like to encourage and welcome the contributions and
participation of our partners, affiliates and all
Human Rights Organizations and Defenders
as we revive, review and reactivate the MTA.
There has been a lot of encouraging work
being done by various entities within and
outside of GALCK that in essence could feed
in into the overall goal of the Multi -Tier Approach. It is time to put our heads together
as a movement and make our work count.

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Vision
A safe and enabling environment for LGBTI organizations and individuals in Kenya.
Mission
To promote recognition, acceptance and defend the interests and rights of LGBTI
organizations and their members in Kenya.
P. O Box 13005- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 020 2426060, +254 734133733
Email: info@galck.org
Website: www.galck.org
This is a pu blication by The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya. The pu blication and the logo remain the exclusive property of GALCK. We encourage redistribution
of
excerpts from it. If you copy material, please credit without copyrights infractions.

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