In brief
Kenya's only church led by and for L.G.B.T.Q. people has faced constant relocation due to violence and discrimination. After a decade of upheaval, the church has finally found a secret sanctuary where members can freely worship and embrace their identities.
For nearly ten years, the underground church in Nairobi catering to L.G.B.T.Q. individuals has shown remarkable resilience in the face of relentless persecution. Originally based in various estalishments such as a sex workers' center and Nairobi’s Central Park, the congregation has been forced to abandon numerous locations—each time facing hindrance, from police interference to violent attacks from locals. Most recently, after being chased away from ten different venues, the church has secured a secret location that serves as a much-needed haven. A recent service drew around a hundred worshippers to a hidden room where they could express their spirituality freely without fear of judgment. Pastor Caroline Omolo, leading the congregation, emphasized the persisting struggles that many members face. Abandonment from family and rejection from traditional churches have been common experiences for these individuals, who often have fled from neighboring countries where their identity poses a mortal threat. In this sanctuary, tears and cheers fill the air as the pastor instills hope, proclaiming that despite external hostilities, the community has found a place where their identities are validated in the scriptures. This space allows approximately 50 to 200 participants to gather weekly, fostering a shared sense of belonging and faith that unites them despite the struggles endured. As the church continues to operate in secrecy, it symbolizes determination and the profound need for acceptance within the L.G.B.T.Q. community in an environment that remains hostile.
