Stephen Lewis Foundation

Two young women looking at the camera, smiling. They are wearing a t-shirt with a slogan

Photo Credit: Minority Womyn in Action (MWA), Kenya

Become a Partner in Pride

Support community-led LGBTIQ organizations championing health and human rights in sub-Saharan Africa

LGBTIQ organizations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to work in environments characterized by violent homophobia and transphobia, legally entrenched discrimination, and political and social persecution. They work on the frontlines, putting their lives at risk every day to stand up for human rights and health of LGBTIQ communities while providing life–saving services.

Together, we can ensure they are not alone in this fight. Help us get LGBTIQ organizations the resources they need. 

The SLF’s Partners in Pride campaign supports 13 LGBTIQ community-led organizations that are lifelines for their communities. They provide critical services, including health care access, safe spaces, mental health supports, social supports and legal counsel. 

Two members of HAPA-Kenya.
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Your solidarity has power. Human rights defenders like John Mathenge have a clear vision for the future and are leading organizations that are actively protecting and supporting LGBTIQ communities. They provide stigma-free health care, respond to emergencies and push back against injustice while faced with rising hate, discrimination and violence. In this report, see how your support has had tangible impact for LGBTIQ communities in sub-Saharan Africa over the past year.

“My dream is to see a beautiful Kenya where everybody will walk freely and where people will respect LGBTIQ people as human beings and where people will see me as me, and not see my sexuality — where people will see me as a human being, and where people will be treated with dignity.”

— John Mathenge, HOYMAS 

Learn more about our 14 partners supporting LGBTIQ communities in our Partners in Pride Impact Report 2024.

Hear from LGBTIQ rights defenders, Pepe, Biggie and Allan on what keeps them going!

The SLF participated in Pride Toronto 2023 as a Charity of Choice in recognition of championing health and human rights with LGBTIQ communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We marched in the Pride parade with our supporters and community to raise awareness about the needs and priorities of our 14 LGBTIQ community-led partners.
Group at HOYMAS meeting with Meg French
Following introduction of the so-called Family Protection Bill in Kenya, LGBTIQ communities have been facing stigma and discrimination as well as increased threat to their safety and security. SLF partner organizations like HOYMAS, provide safe space for LGBTIQ individuals to gather safely and seek psychosocial support. SLF Executive Director Meg French visited the HOYMAS office.
Sexual Minorities Uganda-Quchu Leadership Academy
Mentoring up-and-coming LGBTIQ community leaders through workshops, training, and debates, Sexual Minorities Uganda’s Quchu Leadership Academy empowers human-rights defenders to grow the LGBTIQ movement. Photo provided by SMUG.
Outreach and community engagement are central to defending human rights, and providing HIV services to communities that may not be able to access services in clinics. BHESP in Kenya provides mobile health care to communities surrounding Nairobi.
A safe space to gather and connect, Rainbow Sunrise Mapambazuko’s LGBTI friendship centre in Democratic Republic of the Congo provides access to stigma-free health care, including voluntary HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. Photo provided by RSM.
SLF Executive Director Meg French, visiting Ishtar MSM. Our LGBTIQ partners continue to provide HIV testing services, peer counselling, access to anti-retroviral drugs and other life-saving services to LGBTIQ communities while courageously putting their own safety at risk every day.
Mambaleo Peer Empowerment Group (MPEG) holds training and group discussions for peer educators at the organization’s offices, which also serve as a safe space for LGBTIQ community members to gather and connect. Photo provided by MPEG.

Join the Movement

Donate to Partners in Pride

Last year, the LGBTIQ Africa Initiative supported 13 organizations in 5 countries.

Start a fundraiser for Partners in Pride

Since 2003, we’ve raised $192 million in support of community-led organizations across 15 African countries. You too can help fundraise and make a difference!

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Join our SLF community and receive ongoing updates.

Join Partners in Pride to help power the LGBTIQ health and human rights movement.

Yes, I will donate now