The Transformative Impact of “You are More than Enough”

Funded by The Pollination Project in 2023, this initiative, led by Kenneth Thethe, addresses the deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the grassroots and rural areas of Kenya. The project’s inception was born from a pressing need. In a society where LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter social stigma, exclusion, and violence, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies are tragically common. The absence of explicit legal protections, coupled with laws that can be interpreted as criminalizing LGBTQ+ identities, further entrenches this discrimination. 

At its core, “You are More than Enough” focuses on providing affirmative psycho-social support services. The project creates a compassionate and accepting environment through individual and group therapy sessions, tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by grassroots LGBTQ+ individuals. Beyond emotional support, the initiative offers safe transitional housing for those facing violence, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions, with a particular focus on youth at risk of being disowned by their families. Building a strong, supportive grassroots LGBTQ+ community is another critical aspect of the project. By facilitating a network where individuals can share experiences, seek advice, and form lasting connections, the project aims to reduce the isolation often felt by LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas. 

The implementation of this project was not without its challenges. The Mount Kenya region, known for its conservative values and deeply rooted cultural beliefs, presented significant obstacles. Kenneth Thethe and his team had to navigate a complex social and political landscape, engaging with local chiefs, community meetings, neighborhood watch groups, and police – many of whom held values that conflicted with the project’s mission. Throughout the implementation, the project faced opposition from local leaders and lawmakers. Accusations of “promoting homosexuality” were leveled against the team, and at one point, Kenneth Thethe himself was brutally attacked, nearly losing his life. However, with support from The Pollination Project and other international and local partners such as Frontline Defenders, Freedom House, Defenders Coalition Kenya, and galck+, the project persevered, raising awareness, conducting advocacy, and seeking justice.

The seedgrant from The Pollination Projec allowed the “You are More than Enough” project to achieve important milestones in its mission to address discrimination and support the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya’s rural areas.

Through the grant, the project has:

1. Provided essential psycho-social support services, promoting psychological well-being and resilience through tailored individual and group therapy sessions.
2. Increased access to safe transitional shelter and housing for those facing violence, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions.
3. Built a strong grassroots LGBTQ+ community, facilitating networks for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and reducing feelings of isolation.
4. Raised awareness about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal prejudices and discriminatory laws through targeted advocacy efforts.

The impact of these initiatives has been profound. The project has directly improved the mental health and well-being of grassroots LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya, creating a nurturing environment where they feel empowered, respected, and understood. The grant has enabled increased visibility for the cause and fostered partnerships both locally and internationally.

Most importantly, the project has positively impacted the lives of 400 individuals, providing them with the support, resources, and community they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

Building on its success, “You are More than Enough” is set to expand its impact in the coming years. The project will extend its follow-up period until 2025 to assess long-term outcomes. Plans are underway to offer training programs to stakeholders and community healthcare workers, as well as to train LGBTQ+ community members as mental health champions. Additionally, the project will introduce a Flexible Financial Assistance program to provide emergency funds for LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable support network and further improve the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya’s rural communities.

Through its innovative approach and steadfast commitment, ‘You are More than Enough’ exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots initiatives, illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and compassionate society in Kenya and beyond.

Kenneth Thethe

Kenneth Thethe is a LGBTQ+ advocate and human rights defender who founded and serves as the executive director of Grassroots Transitional House, Kenya (GTH-Kenya). Drawing from personal experiences of discrimination, Thethe has dedicated his life to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, working tirelessly to foster an inclusive society. For seven years, Thethe has been at the forefront of human rights advocacy, focusing on grassroots efforts in the Mount Kenya region.