A delegation representing Pride Montreal traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to meet the leaders of a dozen organizations working – mostly in the shadows – with sexual and gender-diverse clients (SGD). These activists have shown great courage in agreeing to share their history and life experience in a country which remains resistant to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, in order to draw a realistic portrayal of the current situation there. As a result of the discussions, they decided to form an executive committee that will work to hold this year’s first edition of a Western Kenya Pride.

Present at this meeting was Her Excellency Sara Hradecky, High Commissioner to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, who took the time to explain how Canada would be able to support the actions of the Executive Committee and to invite leaders of LGBTQ+ organizations from Kenya to the Canadian Embassy on May 17, 2018, as part of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Eric Pineault, President of Pride Montréal, Jean-Sébastien Boudreault, Vice-President, and Esther-Ledoux, Administrator, say they are extremely touched to have been able to witness the creation of this Pride. “It was with great emotion that we listened and understood the different testimonies of these everyday heroes. We are proud that a concrete result will come from this meeting, notably the first ever Western Kenya Pride happening in a few months. Pride Montreal will offer them as much support as possible and will organize various fundraising activities as well.”affirmed Eric Pineault.