APPEAL: Ms Kate Kamunde at the launch of the LGBT website
THE gay community has appealed to the government to accord it equal rights and the protection enjoyed by other Kenyans. The gay have also appealed for civic obligations from the state to ensure that human rights apply to all without discrimination. Speaking at the launch of their website, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya general manager Eric Gitau said the community is part of Kenya and should be involved in its development. “Kenya’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender and intersex (LGBTI) persons are now more than ever before concerned with their welfare and national development issues,” Gitau said.
He called on the public to respect and uphold everyone’s right to express themselves saying there needs to be a platform for the engagement in vital debates through the provision of freedom of speech. He added that there are many stories from sexual and gender minorities in Kenya which have not been aired and appealed to the media to air positive stories about the group’s operations.
Gitau appealed for sober reporting in order to present a balanced and unopinionated look at the community. “Go beyond rhetoric and live with the reality that the LGBTI community is now a core and integral population of Kenya that needs to be included in positive light,” he said. Kate Kamunde from AfraKenya appealed to the public to abide by the constitution and co-exist with the community. She lamented the gay are discriminated and stigmatised when attempting to access basic services. “We are human beings and should be given an opportunity to enjoy life like other people,” she said.
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