Growing up, I saw the immense disparity between the narratives portrayed in mainstream media and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa. In conventional narratives, we were either invisible or vilified, our stories reduced to harmful stereotypes. This lack of authentic representation fueled prejudice and discrimination and created a climate of fear and isolation. I founded Bold Network Africa to disrupt this narrative, to reclaim our stories, and to build a platform where diverse voices could be heard and celebrated.  

I now dedicate my life to a mission that is both deeply personal and profoundly societal: advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa through the transformative power of storytelling and the arts. The question I’m often asked is, “Why did you begin this work?” The answer lies in the very fabric of my lived experience and the stories I have witnessed, stories too often silenced or distorted. 

This Work Cannot Wait 

The urgency of this work is undeniable. In many parts of Africa, the LGBTQ+ community faces systemic discrimination, legal persecution, and even violence. The current political climate in some countries is marked by rising intolerance and the weaponization of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. This not only endangers lives but also undermines the fundamental principles of human rights and democratic values.

Representation matters. Stories have the power to humanize, build empathy, and challenge deeply ingrained prejudices. By amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, we are not just telling stories, we are also building bridges of understanding and fostering a more inclusive and just society. We are showing the world that our lives are worthy of dignity, respect, and celebration.

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is intrinsically linked to the broader struggle for democracy. Inclusive democratic narratives are essential for building resilient and equitable societies. When marginalized voices are silenced, democracy itself is weakened. By ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are included in the democratic process, we are strengthening the very foundations of our societies.

A Future of Shared Stories and Shared Power

In my work through Bold Network Africa, I envision a future where inclusive democratic narratives are not just aspirational but become a lived reality. However, arriving at this ideal requires a multifaceted approach:

• Amplifying Diverse Voices: We must continue to create platforms for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Through documentaries, films, theater, and digital media, we can challenge dominant narratives and create space for authentic representation.
• Building Alliances: We must work in collaboration with allies across civil society, government, and the private sector to advocate for policy changes that protect and promote LGBTQ+ rights.
• Fostering Dialogue: We must create spaces for open and honest dialogue where people from different backgrounds can engage with each other, challenge assumptions, and build understanding.
• Empowering Communities: We must invest in community-led initiatives that empower LGBTQ+ individuals to become agents of change in their communities.
• Using Art as a Tool: Because the arts have a unique ability to connect with people on an emotional level, we must use art to break down barriers and create a shared sense of humanity.

By fostering inclusive democratic narratives, we are not just advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, we are advocating for a more just and equitable society for all. We are building a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and fulfillment. The stories we tell today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. Let us choose to tell stories that inspire hope, promote understanding, and build a future where everyone belongs.

Chris Muriithi is an LGBTQ+ activist and the founder of Bold Network Africa. Muriithi is also a 2025 Charles F. Kettering Global Fellow.

Resilience & Resistance is a Charles F. Kettering Foundation blog series that features the insights of thought leaders and practitioners who are working to expand and support inclusive democracies around the globe. Direct any queries to globalteam@kettering.org.