May 2024 

The pride & remembrance run is an exciting event that takes place every year in Toronto and virtually. In addition to giving runners the opportunity to celebrate and compete, the event also provides support to community organizations who receive the charitable pledges from the run. Since 1996, the pride & remembrance run has raised over $3 million for charities.    

As a recent beneficiary of the pride & remembrance run, the Stephen Lewis Foundation received a generous $50,000 grant to support two organizations led by and for LGBTIQ community members in Kenya. This grant enabled the People’s Alliance of Kenya (HAPA-Kenya) and Tamba Pwani to enhance HIV services for LGBTIQ community members across five Kenyan counties.  

LGBTIQ individuals in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa often face marginalization, stigma and criminalization, hindering their access to HIV information, prevention, treatment and care. Health care workers may refuse assistance to LGBTIQ individuals or disclose their personal information without consent. Additionally, the lack of legal resources, economic opportunities and social support exacerbates the threat of HIV and AIDS for LGBTIQ individuals. 

With generous support from the pride & remembrance run, HAPA-Kenya and Tamba Pwani provided over 15,000 LGBTIQ community members with vital HIV information, resources, care and referrals. Both organizations encouraged thousands of LGBTIQ individuals to participate in HIV testing and helped those who tested positive to receive care, resulting in increased anti-retroviral treatment adherence and viral load suppression. They also engaged with health care practitioners and clinic staff to reduce stigma and improve service delivery. 

Crucially, support from the pride & remembrance run also enabled HAPA-Kenya and Tamba Pwani to educate LGBTIQ community members about their rights and build the capacity of Kenyan LGBTIQ movements advocate for equitable health access. 

The SLF’s partnership with the pride & remembrance run highlights the importance of international solidarity in promoting LGBTIQ health and rights. Global partnerships strengthen the sharing of resources, support and advocacy across borders, boosting the efforts of local organizations to fight marginalization, stigma, and criminalization. The Pride and Remembrance Run has been tremendously successful in engaging people in Canada around 2SLGBTIQ+ rights. By channelling their support to community-led organizations in sub-Saharan Africa, they affirm the right to health and dignity for LGBTIQ community members everywhere. Thank you, pride & remembrance run, for your unwavering commitment to this cause and supporting HAPA-Kenya and Tamba Pwani to make a lasting impact for LGBTIQ communities across Kenya.  

And if you’re interested in running this year, visit the website!