At AQYI, we are committed to addressing current challenges and building an African LGBTQI+ movement that is inclusive, representative, and supportive. As a network of young activists, we recognise the enormous potential of young people in Africa. By amplifying their voices and empowering them to lead change, we hope to create a more just and equitable Africa where queer youths are free from oppression and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
How We Support LGBTQI+ Youths and Activists, Tackle the Challenges in Their Communities:
LGBTQI+ youths, youth activists, and organisations have always found innovative ways to resist injustice. Our interventions harness and support the creative energy of these groups so that change can be led by groups who best understand their context.
AQYI has always focused on building a sustainable and strategic network of African Queer youths through empowerment and strategic network building. Based on our ongoing initiatives, AQYI strives to continuously provide platforms and opportunities for LGBTQI+ youths to connect and share knowledge, develop a common agenda, and engage in sustained collaborative action.
Good leaders will encourage sustained work combating homophobia and transphobia in a context appropriate manner. The African Queer Youth Initiative will do targeted development of leadership teams and individuals and expand the capacity of organisations to implement national and transnational campaigns.
In addition to building a solid network of young movement builders, we are also focused on providing resources to nascent activists who ordinarily would not be able to access such resources. For example, AQYI has facilitated direct small grant mechanisms to channel such resources to LGBTQI+ youth organisations and activists championing change on the ground. As we advance, we aim to build and expand on this initiative to reach more under-resourced groups and activists to support their work within their local communities.
Good data will enable LGBTQI+ youths and organisations to develop recommendations for future actions. The African Queer Youth Initiative will document best practices for interventions with LGBTQI+ youths, and develop strong baseline data.
While understanding the needs of queer youths in Africa, we also strive to provide interventions to empower queer youth economically, boost their general self-esteem, and forge livelihoods to make them contribute meaningfully to their communities.
We strive to empower businesses and public and private enterprises with resources to make their workplaces inclusive and protect the welfare and rights of African queer youths at work.
We strive to achieve this by empowering nascent organisations on welfare, financial and organisational development as well as the sense of justice and equity towards staff and movement builders.
