Virginia Wairimu, 51,left Kenya in 2019 and settled in the UK seeking safety after her life was threatened for being a lesbian in Kenya.
Born into a conservative Christian household in Kenya, Wairimu’s early life followed a prescribed path dictated by societal norms. Her first marriage, marked by domestic violence and sexual abuse, became a crucible from which she emerged determined to forge a better life for herself and her children. Despite achieving professional success as the owner of a safari company, the specter of her past marriage continued to cast long shadows over her life. The year 2015 marked a key moment in Wairimu’s journey when she found love with another woman.
Their relationship, though genuine and profound, existed in the margins of a society deeply hostile to LGBTQ+ relationships. The facade of secrecy eventually crumbled when their relationship was exposed, unleashing a torrent of hostility that would ultimately force Wairimu to flee her homeland. Death threats became commonplace with Wairimu receiving messages declaring “People like you don’t deserve to live” and “We need to eliminate you”.
A brutal assault, perpetrated under the guise of “curing” her sexuality, served as the catalyst for Wairimu’s flight to the United Kingdom. However, her hopes for sanctuary were met with bureaucratic impediments faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The Home Office’s rejected her application and suggested that she could return to Kenya and live discreetly. Now residing in Birmingham, Wairimu navigates an existence marked by regular mandatory reporting to immigration offices. Each visit carries the weight of potential detention, compelling her to maintain meticulous preparation routines—including noting down essential contact numbers in anticipation of phone confiscation during detention.
In August, Charles Mwangi, a 48-year-old Kenyan bisexual man, secured temporary Canadian residency following intense community advocacy against his imminent deportation. The former personal support worker, who fled persecution in Kenya five years ago, received a one-year temporary resident permit after widespread protests and a UN Human Rights Committee appeal. Mwangi’s cause drew support with over 4,600 people signing a petition for his stay. The decision came as the Trudeau government contemplates regularizing the status of undocumented workers who contribute to Canadian communities.
