The Power of In/visibility: Strategic Storytelling as a Multifaceted Tool for LGBTIQ+ Activism in Kenya

Abstract: In Kenya, LGBTIQ+ individuals navigate a challenging landscape as they strive for visibility and acceptance in a predominantly heteronormative and hostile society. This article explores how LGBTIQ+ activists and organizations use strategic storytelling as a tool for resistance and visibility as they present themselves in spaces where they would otherwise remain invisible. The findings demonstrate that storytelling functions as a personal and collective tactic, with activists occasionally self-censoring to cater to specific audiences or align with dominant politics to avoid adverse reactions, thus shaping the crafting and disseminating of queer narratives. The article argues that while strategic storytelling enhances visibility and advocacy, it carries the risk of backlash and stigmatization, necessitating careful compromises and performative elements to balance the impact of in/visibility.