The Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND) is a local not-for-profit organisation that researches and undertakes strategic actions towards equality, acceptance and inclusion in the Coast Region of Kenya.

The organisation shares experiences and collaborates with other stakeholders in an effort to contribute towards tolerance, non-discrimination, acceptance and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). INEND recognises the universality of human rights in the pursuit of democracy through the participation of everyone in an open, just and democratic society. In the current context however, many sexual and gender minorities have not had the opportunity to engage openly due to laws, policies and attitudes which criminalise activities and people, even beyond what is provided for in existing laws. These in turn, have resulted in threats, insecurity and harassment and thus sexual and gender minorities, who are seen to not be conforming with societal norms, have been forced to operate underground and under high risk, merely because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND) recognises that it is equally important to reach out to the general society with knowledge and information about sexual and gender minorities. This is urgent and necessary to debunk myths and misconceptions about being gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and/or intersex (LGBTI+), which mostly leads to human rights violations and social discrimination.

The project Motorcycle operators: unusual allies for LGBT inclusion, raises awareness in Kenya and Uganda about issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) and human rights, as a way to eradicate the physical and/or verbal violence towards local LGBTI+ communities. Based on the results of a study conducted by INEND in 2016, around the roles that boda boda (private motorcycle taxi) operators play as key perpetrators of violence and discrimination that is commonly experienced by LGBTI+ communities, it was evidenced that they have little to no knowledge about SOGIE and about the experiences LGBTI+ people. This lack of knowledge is the source of many stereotypes and stigmas and -in turn- a main cause behind the physical and verbal attacks suffered by LGBTI+ people. Hence, by reaching out to these the motorcycle operators, who are the easiest and affordable means of transport and movement, the project creates spaces where they can learn about these issues, become aware of what is going on within their communities, and can act as agents of positive change by cooperating with local LGBTI+ organisations. The perpetrators and/or violators, when engaged, also give their feedback on what can be done to prevent violence and discrimination towards LGBTI+.

For this project, Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND) collaborates with Sexual Minorities Uganda, whose member’s face violence from motorcycle operators on a daily basis and want to address the problem. By informing motorcycle operators on fundamental human rights of LGBTI+ people and promoting more inclusion, they can hopefully appreciate their rights, their dignity, and their contributions to society. The project showcases like-minded organisations within the East African region that can work together to combat stigma and discrimination through regional collaborations. In addition, the project shows that organisations need to find innovative ways to engage unusual actors and potentially transform them into allies.