Resilience in Faith: The Hidden Sanctuary for L.G.B.T.Q. Africans in Nairobi

In the heart of Nairobi, a unique church has become a sanctuary for L.G.B.T.Q. Africans fleeing persecution. After a decade of being displaced and attacked, this underground congregation has found a secret home where worshipers come together to embrace their faith and identities freely.

For almost ten years, Kenya’s only church serving the L.G.B.T.Q. community has been subjected to constant harassment and displacement. The congregation has navigated through ten different locations, each fraught with challenges – from vandalism at an initial venue catering to sex workers, to police arrests at Nairobi’s Central Park, and violent encounters with hostile neighbors. Yet, against the odds, they have found a hidden sanctuary.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, nearly 100 worshipers gathered in a nondescript room off an inconspicuous street. Before entering, each member was meticulously vetted by fellow congregants to ensure safety. As they settled in, tears mingled with joy when their pastor delivered a heartfelt sermon addressing the struggles of acceptance: “You may have been cast out by family or even your previous church, but today you have found a home within these walls.”

The congregation erupted in agreement, affirming their shared journey toward acceptance and love. Many attendees have fled from neighboring nations where L.G.B.T.Q. identities are deemed illegal or met with life-threatening violence, making this weekly service a vital lifeline. Here, they are able to safely express their faith, identity, and community without fear. Church attendance ranges from 50 to 200 individuals, each seeking solace and strength in their shared experiences.