STAR ILLUSTRATION
Culture has a way of imposing standards and conventions on people, but a teacher who identifies as queer believes life is more fluid than we realise.
“Our experiences do not fit into neat categories. The idea of free expression that culture espouses is not always a reflection of the reality many of us face,” says Ty* (not her real name), 33.
Ty* grew up in one of the remote rural villages in Kenya, with a childhood like any other child out there. She went to school and did well, and there is no day she lacked during her childhood days.
Growing up in a remote village, Ty witnessed firsthand the dedication of teachers and the transformative power of education.
Inspired by their commitment, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, especially those in underserved communities.
She had seen how many teachers, particularly women, shied away from postings in remote areas, and she felt a calling to bridge that gap.
Years later, she has spent more than five years shaping the future of her students, imparting knowledge in mathematics and chemistry, but her love life had become a battleground.
Identifying with the LBGTQ+ community, she found herself at odds with cultural norms.
Kenya is a country where homosexuality is largely taboo, and being open about one’s sexual orientation in the workplace can lead to prejudice, harassment or even dismissal. So Ty’s journey tested her resolve personally and professionally.
RESILIENCE AMID ADVERSITY
At one point, Ty’s life took an unexpected turn when her sexual orientation was questioned for a moment.
She was shaken, but her passion for teaching propelled her forward.
“My partner would visit me, we would go to the market, buy things just living our lives without drawing attention or being lovey dovey,” she recalls.
“But then I was questioned whether I was married to a man or a woman. It made me retreat.” That question opened a floodgate of anxieties.
She felt exposed and vulnerable since she had never discussed her identity with anyone. For many LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya, this kind of scrutiny is an unwelcome reality.
Many members of the community remain in the closet for fear of being stigmatised. For Ty, a dark period ensued, marked by sleepless nights, a lot of unease and self-questioning, because she could not understand what her personal life and sexual orientation would have to do with her work.
During this difficult time, Ty found solace in a network of support. Therapy provided a safe space to process her emotions. Her close friends and family offered unwavering love and acceptance.
They reminded her of her worth, her talent, and the importance of staying true to herself. They helped her navigate the complexities of her situation, offering emotional strength.
According to a 2019 report by Human Rights Watch, LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya often face discrimination in their workplaces and educational institutions.
The stigma attached to their sexual orientation often leads to exclusion, harassment or termination of employment.
Ty’s experience is far from isolated, yet her response exemplifies the resilience that many LGBTQ+ professionals in Kenya display as they fight to maintain their dignity and careers in an unforgiving environment.
Despite the hurdles, Ty’s love for teaching remained her anchor. She believed in creating a classroom where every student felt valued and respected. She fostered open discussions, encouraged active participation and celebrated the unique strengths of each child.
“I like to create a platform in class where there’s no power struggle,” she says. “It’s about encouraging my students, helping them build confidence so they can stand before the class and freely tackle math exercises. I love seeing that transformation in them.”
Her quest to be accepted in both her personal and professional spaces drove her to seek support. “It was a struggle, but I also saw it as an opportunity to find a way to address this issue,” she said.
“What pushed me through is I wanted to find out: Was it just me or were there other queer people in professional spaces being ostracised for their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression?”
FIGHTING BIAS AT WORK
Ty’s passion for teaching and belief in the transformative power of education pushed her to reflect on broader societal issues, especially the rigid conventions that dictate how one should live and love.
Ty has stood up to systems that frequently marginalise those who do not conform to traditional gender roles or sexual orientations.
She considers herself to be bridging the gender divide and advocates for a world where everyone is seen for their professional abilities rather than their sexual orientation.
“I love what I do, I love myself, have seen the struggle faced by people over gender and sexuality. But all these challenges, they make me who I am. They define my totality as a person,” she said.
“If I were to enact a law, I would push for a gender-blind society, where people are valued and defined by what they contribute to their professions and not who they love.”
LGBTQ+ people remain undocumented based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. The discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya’s workplaces, across various sectors, is still deeply entrenched.
However, like Ty, many are beginning to challenge these structures, and there is a growing movement to foster more diverse, equitable and inclusive environments.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Ty’s resilience serves as a testament to the strength of LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya, who continue to navigate hostile environments with dignity and perseverance.
She’s committed to bringing about change, not just for herself but for the generations of students who will benefit from seeing a more inclusive world. “The children keep me motivated,” she says, a smile breaking through as she speaks of her students.
“I want to inspire them to be the best version of themselves, and to show them that our identity does not define our abilities.”
In her advocacy, she calls for society to rethink its views on gender and sexual orientation. “Prejudice and discrimination often come from unconscious biases, and these biases spread misinformation about LGBTQ+ people,” she said.
“We need to come together to address injustices, not just for LGBTQ+ people but for all marginalised groups. This is the only way we can move forward as a society.” As she navigates her life’s journey, she remains steadfast in her mission.
“I want to tell stories of people who’ve been perceived differently. I want to bring us all to the table, to talk diplomatically and to address the injustices we face,” she says.
“I’m happy and proud to be changing children’s lives. This is my journey. I love teaching, and I love the community I’m a part of.”
Ty is more than just an educator. She’s a trailblazer, a fighter and a testament to the power of authenticity and love in the face of adversity.
She says the barriers of discrimination that persist in professional spaces should be dismantled because this will create a ripple effect that will inspire future generations to be proud of who they are regardless of their sexual orientation.
As she bridges divides and challenges stereotypes, Ty, who also identifies as a person of faith, having done theology, wants to tell a story of persons who have been perceived differently.
“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will
always glorify the hunter,” she says,
quoting an African proverb.
“Let us all be part of telling the
story.”
