Invisible : Stories From Kenya's Queer Community

by Kevin Mwachiro, Johannes Hossfeld (editor), Tom Odhiambo (editor)

Invisible is a Kenyan story made up of many tales. Although the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity is a very controversial topic in Kenya, the queer community has recently struggled to make itself more visible. Kenyan activists vocally campaign against discrimination and for the respect of the dignity of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and intersex individuals.

As a journalist and activist, Kevin Mwachiro has taken on the task of collecting stories from this community. Covering young to old Kenyans and city dwellers to rural ones, Mwachiro has transcribed the accounts of men and women who have chosen to remain true to themselves despite the many odds that they have faced. Invisible is an exploration of their respective journeys.

Invisible is about telling the story of being gay in Kenya. These stories will take you from the outback of northern Kenya, to the coast, to the western part of the country. But more so, these are stories about the gay guy or girl on Moi Avenue, the one sitting next to you in the matatu, at school, at work, in your neighbourhood or at the dinner table. Invisible is also about that first kiss, finding love and finding oneself.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2023

About the author

Kevin Mwachiro has lived and worked in Nairobi for most of his life. After attending the city’s Daystar University, he later went on to study at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, where he attained an MA in Radio Production. He has worked as a radio journalist and producer in Kenya, Uganda and the United Kingdom and as a correspondent for the BBC World Service. Kevin Mwachiro is a member of the gay activist community. He volunteered at the now defunct TOMIK (The Other Man in Kenya) and more recently at the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya and the Gay Kenya Trust.

Reviews

[Ashley Muthaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these collection of stories. I think it’s great to create awareness on such a topic that is considered taboo in our society.

[Wanjiku Kimani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really amazing diverse set of stories! I really enjoyed the difference in styles and perspective and also especially liked the letter writing format where the people featured were writing to their loved ones. Those deeply resonated!