Interview with Arya Jeipea Karijo

Monika: Today I have invited Arya Jeipea Karijo, an inspirational transgender woman, LBQ-ITGNC rights advocate, and feminist from Nairobi, Kenya. Hello Arya!

Arya: Hello Monika.

Monika: I am always delighted when I can talk to sisters from all different continents. Could you say a few words about yourself?

Arya: Well, you said most of it in your introduction. So, I will probably be doing repetition. I am a transgender woman, I am active in the LBQ-ITGNC community organizing in Kenya. I write a lot, last year I was a feminist investigative journalist with openDemocracy last year for six months on a fellowship.

This year I am working with Whose Knowledge? a campaign to decolonize the internet. I am passionate about decolonization as a way of freeing African queer narratives.

Monika: You describe yourself as a feminist. What does it entail from the Kenyan and African perspectives?

Arya: I think I would rather speak on feminism from my perspective and how I feel Kenyan and African feminism should self-define.

Interview with Audrey Mbugua Ithibu

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Audrey Mbugua Ithibu, an inspirational woman from Kenya, transgender activist, Secular Humanist, a role model for all African trans sisters, graduate of Maseno University in Medical Biotechnology, a student in Computer Programming and a Post Graduate Student in Advanced Databases in a Kenyan University. Hello Audrey!

Audrey: Hello my dear.

Monika: For many years you have been involved in the work for the Transgender Education and Advocacy. What is the agenda of Transgender Kenya?

Audrey: First, recognition of our chosen names and correct gender in our academic and identification papers.

Second, we want to be able to access medical services relating to gender reassignment in a respectful and sensitive environment.

Third, an end to discrimination and other harmful practices, procedures, and attitudes in Government departments that preclude enjoyment of the rights and fundamental freedoms of transgender people.