Kim Kiondo Mkodo, He/Him, Tanzania
What inspired you to join the AQYI community, and how has your experience been as a member?
The aim was to achieve networking, techniques, and professional development growth that can make my skills grow and knowledge manifest. To also acquire knowledge with fellow activists, leaders, and community members from across the region and the continent. I would like to learn, share my activism experiences with other members and participants, and take whatever could apply in my context and deliver the same learnings. Additionally, I believe that being a member of AFRICAN QUEER YOUTH INITIATIVE will put me in a better position to subsequently serve the LGBTIQ+ community and other gender and sexual minorities in my country.
What is the most pressing issue in your community, and why is it urgent?
The pressing issue in the community I present is the political context being harsh in that it criminalises the existence of LGBTIQ+ community members, and that has made it difficult for community members and activists to organise strategies on issues touching their lives directly. Another issue is the economic injustices that make LGBTIQ+ community members unable to afford their basic needs, and that has led to us facing so many injustices, such as unequal rights and opportunities, mental health challenges, and stigma and discrimination.
Can you describe any unique cultural or social aspects of your community that people might not be aware of?
My community’s unique cultural or social aspect is that we usually come together when one of us is attacked or in need in front of other people’s eyes. We may look divided but are not; we are usually there for one another.
What kind of support or resources would be most beneficial to address the urgent issue in your community?
To me, the most beneficial support that my community needs is economic empowerment because for the past seven years, the community has been trained in so many things such as SOGIE, HUMAN RIGHTS, as well as SAFETY AND SECURITY, but the lives of our community members have not improved. Community members are still suffering from having nothing.
Beyond your role as an activist, what hobby or interest might surprise people? How does it help you find balance in life?
Décor, fashion, and cooking, and I usually do it to myself and friends, and that’s how I find balance in life.
Is there a book, movie, or artwork that deeply impacted how you see social change or identity? What about it connected with you?
‘’ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’’ is a TV Series that has impacted how I see social change in a sense that changes happen when we take a step, but also, as much as we want to see the change, we must make sure that the path we follow does not turn into something that will harm us in the process.
Imagine you’re giving a TED Talk on a topic unrelated to activism. What would you talk about, and what message would you want to share with the world?
Networking and skills building are some of the key issues that will enhance the capacity and awareness of youth in our societies.
As a youth leader, what advice would you give to other young individuals who want to positively impact the African LGBTQI+ community?
Individuals desiring to make changes in the African LGBTIQ+ community must do it passionately. They need to understand their context very well and know that being an activist is voluntary and not profitable work.
