Interview with Audrey Mbugua Ithibu

In the heart of Kenya, where tradition and modernity often collide, Audrey Mbugua Ithibu stands as one of the most compelling voices of courage and transformation on the African continent. A transgender activist, a scientist by training, and a determined advocate for dignity and justice, Audrey has become a symbol of what it means to live truthfully, fight relentlessly, and rise gracefully against all odds. A graduate of Maseno University in Medical Biotechnology and now pursuing studies in Computer Programming and Advanced Databases, Audrey brings a rare blend of intellect and tenacity to her activism. As the founding force behind Transgender Education and Advocacy (TEA), she has dedicated herself to rewriting the narrative for transgender people in Kenya, demanding legal recognition, humane healthcare, and societal understanding where there was once only silence, stigma, or scorn. 

 

Audrey's legal battles have not only shaken the foundations of discriminatory state practices but have also ignited national and regional conversations about identity, autonomy, and inclusion. Despite enduring systemic rejection, religious prejudice, and personal heartbreak, she remains resilient, her strength tempered by moments of painful honesty and a clear, compassionate vision for her community. There is an undeniable femininity in her fight, quietly fierce, emotionally intelligent, and unshakably nurturing. She speaks not only for herself but for every young trans girl walking the tightrope of survival and selfhood in Africa. Audrey has turned her past mistakes into wisdom, her scars into fuel, and her solitude into leadership. Today, it is my honor and joy to welcome Audrey Mbugua Ithibu to this conversation. Her story is not just a tale of transition, but a testament to how one woman’s refusal to be erased became a lifeline for many others.

 

Monika: Audrey Mbugua Ithibu is not only a trailblazing transgender activist from Kenya, but also a brilliant mind in the fields of science and technology. She holds a degree in Medical Biotechnology from Maseno University, is currently pursuing studies in Computer Programming, and is a Postgraduate Student in Advanced Databases at a Kenyan university. A Secular Humanist and fearless advocate for trans rights, Audrey has become a beacon of hope and a role model for countless trans sisters across Africa. Audrey, it’s such a joy to have you here today. Hello!

Audrey: Hello, my dear Monika. It's such a joy to speak with a sister from across the continent.

 

Who Am I? (YouTube)

 

Monika: For many years, you have been deeply involved in transgender education and advocacy in Kenya. Could you share with us what the main goals and agenda of Transgender Kenya are?

Audrey: First, recognition of our chosen names and correct gender on our academic and identification documents. Second, we want access to medical services related to gender reassignment in a respectful and sensitive environment. Third, an end to discrimination and other harmful practices, procedures, and attitudes within government departments that prevent transgender people from enjoying their rights and fundamental freedoms. Fourth, we use the media and other platforms to educate Kenyans about Gender Identity Disorders and transsexualism, and to promote understanding of how transgender people can be accepted in society and families. Fifth, we work to eradicate harmful terminologies and practices by human rights organizations.

For example, we are sensitizing society about the negative consequences of lumping transgender people into the gay and lesbian community. While we respect the rights of gays and lesbians, we do not accept the practice of combining transsexuals with gays and lesbians and labeling us all as the gay community.

Monika: Your legal struggle is one of the most significant battles in the history of the Kenyan transgender community. When government recognition of your gender identity was denied, you took your fight to court. Has there been any favorable ruling from the courts so far?

Audrey: Actually, there are two ongoing cases. The first is to have Kenya's National Examination Council change my name and gender markers on my certificates. I have officially changed my name from Andrew Mbugua (my slave name) to Audrey Mbugua. The case is ongoing, but there was a complication because the Kenya Christian Lawyers Fellowship wanted to join the case to oppose it, fearing "it might open doors for homosexuality and lesbianism." Thankfully, the Christian lawyers' body later withdrew. The second case concerns the government’s refusal to register our organization, Transgender Education and Advocacy (TEA), without giving any explanation.

 

In court (YouTube)

Monika: Some articles have portrayed your battle as that of a transgender atheist fighting against the stereotypes of a predominantly Christian society and country. How accurate do you think this portrayal is?

Audrey: I don’t think it represents the entire spectrum of the conflict between transgender people and some confused groups. There are millions of Kenyan Christians who respect me and the entire transgender struggle. However, there is a minority that believes their particular faith gives them the power to interfere with the right of transsexuals to access justice. There is no single "Kenyan Christian society," though there are Christians in Kenya. Furthermore, I have had people helping transgender people in the name of God’s love. I don’t argue with them much since I enjoy mentally discarding their negativity in a corner of my mind.

Monika: Do you see transgender rights as the new frontier in the broader struggle for human rights?

Audrey: Yes. We have managed to break barriers and limits that no one thought transgender people could overcome on their own. It wasn’t just about human rights but also a desire to prove ourselves capable and to do the best we could. We were able to redefine the meaning of 'courage.' Additionally, the case exposed the State’s ignorance... they didn’t know who or what they were dealing with. But I usually remind State officials that we are not enemies, and some of us have come to respect one another. Through these cases, they’ve learned a lot; they can now differentiate between transgender people and gay or lesbian individuals. However, some have realized that the only way to hurt me is to use male pronouns. So, some do it deliberately... it’s like war games. You win some, you lose some. But I have developed a thicker skin, and no amount of insults can take me down. I am bulletproof.

Monika: What is your perspective on how transgender stories and characters have been portrayed in Kenyan media so far?

Audrey: Ninety percent have been very balanced. But there are some so-called liberals who confused the public by mixing gay rights with our cases. We had an intelligent conversation with them, and they stopped. There were cyber haters and bullies who vented their frustrations by calling me names, something you’d expect from primary school children. But such people only make me more determined.

One on one with Audrey Mbugua (YouTube)

Monika: What is your assessment of the current legal and social situation for transgender women in Kenya?

Audrey: It is really bad. The system has trapped transgender women. Human rights groups’ work is detrimental because it objectifies us as sex objects and lumps trans women into the gay label. Additionally, some donors fund projects that undermine our rights and integration, and any criticism is labeled as homophobia. The government is unresponsive to the needs of transgender people, and some families are hostile because we “embarrass” them with our gender change. Sexual exploitation is common, especially for poor and economically disadvantaged trans women, who are the most vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Worst of all, these factors have seriously compromised our confidence and self-esteem. But there is hope for change, though change never comes with flowers.

Monika: How would you compare the situation in Kenya with that of other African countries?

Audrey: I have great pity for transgender people across Africa, and I hope donors will focus on relevant transgender projects that offer real solutions to transform our lives. The decriminalization of homosexuality will not alleviate the suffering of transgender people. I’m not saying it isn’t important for other minorities, but it does not provide a solution for transgender individuals. 

Monika: Is the Kenyan health system currently equipped to provide comprehensive services to transgender people?

Audrey: They do offer some services, such as diagnosis, psychotherapy, hormone therapy, and castration. However, significant gaps remain. We need gender reassignment surgery, affordable services, a respectful environment, and clear policies. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board began developing National Guidelines for the Management of Gender Identity Disorders, but the process stalled last year after we submitted our contributions. Still, we are confident that our doctors are capable of providing all these procedures.

Audrey Mbugua case challenged (YouTube)

Monika: When you began your transition, did you have any transgender role models to look up to or follow?

Audrey: Yes... Prof. Lynn Conway in the USA. We used to email one another once in a while. But, I was there alone. The saddest part of this was that I made mistakes. There was a time I was promiscuous, I’m not embarrassed to admit I made mistakes, I just felt like self-destructing and I went ahead and did it. Also, I used to drink and smoke a lot. But I quit that immoral life... if I couldn’t have a role model, then I could be someone else’s role model. I owe that to the younger transgender community. And I guess we trans community have failed; we do not do a great job of taking care of our younger trans community. As a result, they end up being preyed on by wolves and lose their lives due to HIV/AIDS, suicides, and violence.
Monika: What was the hardest part about coming out as transgender?

Audrey: Fear, ridicule, and errors in judgment. When I felt lonely, unloved, and just wanted to fit in, I made mistakes. Looking back, I see a confused and bitter girl... I think I could have handled some issues differently. The only thing I’m proud of is that I rediscovered myself before I made the mistake of deferring my university studies... though I should have earned better grades. I wasted time and effort thinking about nonsense, like needing someone to love me, or someone to validate me as a woman, but I came to my senses and realized I am special and don’t need anyone else’s love to be a woman.

Monika: Aside from personal struggles, what challenges did you face from society?

Audrey: Another challenge is societal stereotypes, even among so-called liberals and many human rights organizations, including some gay and lesbian groups. Some of these people are the most bigoted you will ever meet. Once they realize you are transgender, they cut you off and demand that you shrink into a corner and be f*ed by men in the a. They look at a trans woman and think our role is to be used as sex toys by men.

My Quest for Acceptance (YouTube)

Monika: Do you see yourself as politically active, and have you taken part in any lobbying or advocacy efforts?

Audrey: I do engage in politics, but more on the periphery. I’m usually wary of most Kenyans when it comes to politics because many confirm to me they have nothing between their ears the moment they start talking about “other tribes.” That’s why, every time they go to a polling station, they say things like, “Oh, this person is from my tribe, so I’ll vote for them,” or “This candidate is rich, so I’ll vote for them,” or even worse, “Oh, this guy has a temper... he’s the right person to protect us from other tribes.”

Monika: Have you ever considered stepping more directly into politics yourself?

Audrey: Yes, I’m actually thinking of forming a political party called the Party of Common Sense (POCS). I believe what Kenya, and Africa, desperately needs is common sense, because we are slowly destroying the fundamental pillars of our societies. I think transgender women can make a real difference in politics. We represent the cream of society when it comes to intelligence and compassion. And most importantly, we’ve had to develop deep tenacity and an exceptional work ethic to survive the harsh realities of our existence.
Monika: How has your experience with love shaped your personal journey?

Audrey: Wow... that is one area I hate to love. My love life before my transition was wanting, I was awkward. It was hard to connect with girls. There was this girl I loved, but it was difficult to talk to her because I would go completely blank. My heart would beat so hard, she even told my cousin (they were best friends).

Monika: And how did your relationship with love evolve after transitioning? 

Audrey: When I started my transition, I made the mistake of conforming to the social expectation that a woman should date a man. I gave it a shot, but it was nonsense. I went back to dating women... but in 2013, I took an oath of chastity to protect the integrity of my body. At times it’s hard to say no, but it has been manageable. There are women I meet and I’m like wow. I fall in love easily, but I’ve come to understand that love often comes with sharp edges. Still, I consider myself heterosexual, straight in a special way. I’m not lesbian, gay, and neither am I bisexual.

Maumbile Si Hoja (YouTube)

Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs as a way to share their stories and inspire others. Have you ever considered writing your own? 

Audrey: Yes... in fact, my sister was really encouraging me to do it. It's a bit early to dismiss it, but I have yet to muster enough courage to dig around in that graveyard in my mind. There are things I did that I am ashamed of, e.g. the issue of promiscuity and hopping from one bar to another like a teenager. But, if the memoir bug catches me, then I will have no option but to write it.

Monika: What are you currently focusing your energy and activism on?

Audrey: No... I want to focus on name and gender recognition and, of course, the economic empowerment of transgender women in Kenya.

There is a lot of poverty and misery. Hundreds of little humiliations among transgender people because most of us are poor, illiterate, and cannot afford rent or food. It hurts to know that most transgender people in Kenya have to be used sexually to get US$2 for a meal, and they’re at it again for money for lodging. It hurts, and at times I end up crying alone in the house. Only fools can romanticize poverty... sleeping under a tree in the park is not fun.

So far, our organization has been able to sponsor four transgender people to attend schools to learn skills for a legitimate source of livelihood. It’s hard to convince donors that this is a legitimate problem that needs to be addressed.

Monika: What advice would you offer to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?

Audrey: First, they need to accept themselves. There is nothing to be ashamed of... mental disorders are part of the human race. Second, I would encourage them to seek assistance from a mental health care provider. Don’t listen to these groups that keep arguing about (de)pathologization of gender dysphoria or gender identity disorders. Third, seek help from your family and avoid negative peers, people who encourage errors, rudeness, and stupidity. Fourth, get an education... and if possible, lots of education, and have confidence. 

If you feel you don’t have any faith or energy to hold on, then ask for some from your God or from your source of motivation and encouragement. Finally, if you have fallen into immoral behavior, then change and forgive yourself. Everyone deserves a second and third chance. Even a fourth chance. And assist another person with gender dysphoria. Don’t be ashamed to be seen with or walking with a fellow trans person. If she can’t “blend” and people keep staring, then learn to ignore the stares. It is easier than we think.

Monika: Audrey, thank you so much for sharing your story with such honesty and strength.

Audrey: Thank you for having me. Well done, and many thanks.

All the photos: courtesy of Audrey Mbugua Ithibu.

© 2014 - Monika Kowalska

  

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