Meet the activists fighting for transgender rights in Kenya

Intersex activist Sidney and his self-made trans family have faced attempted killings, exclusion and isolation in rural western Kenya.

Sidney was forced to flee his family after they tried to have him killed because they believed he was possessed by the devil.

Sidney is the focus of a documentary, Sidney & Friends, about intersex and trans life in Kenya and spoke to PinkNews about his journey to finding safety.

“I knew I was intersex after I joined LGBTI organisations and learned about it,” he explained.

“It was very hard to get information for I had not met someone like me and, making it harder, I was raised in rural area in a village which of course did have any information around intersex issues.

“I don’t have a good relationship with my family up to date, I believe in the intersex and transgender persons who I call my family today.”

Despite the trauma Sidney has faced, he refuses to be anything but proud of being intersex.

“What I like about being intersex is that we are blessed and God’s creation.

“Being an intersex person in Kenya is a hard life full of struggles but it’s becoming easier since LGBTI organisations have been set up to fight for our rights.

“Allies can help in intersex issues through creating awareness and acceptance.

“My hopes now is if I can get some support to help me undergo my surgeries and live a normal life like other human beings.”

Sidney met Leone, who is trans, through his activism.