Growing up in Nairobi’s Mathare settlement, Felix has always understood what it means to live with resilience. Today, that resilience is tested in new ways, online. As an active participant in community training on gender-based violence, Felix has long been committed to creating safer spaces. His advocacy is both professional as it is deeply personal.
“I’m part of the queer community,” he explains. “And for us, online harassment is almost inevitable. People use our photos without permission, share them around, or even blackmail us. Sometimes you trust someone, and later find that they secretly recorded you. Before you know it, you’re exposed online.”
For queer Kenyans like Felix, the consequences of such exposure can be devastating. In a society where stigma and discrimination remain widespread, the threat of being outed online can lead to self-censorship, fear, and even physical danger.
Despite these risks, many survivors find little support. Felix has reported incidents to organisations that work with LGBTQ+ communities, but he says psychosocial help is almost nonexistent.
“If I had to rate mental health support, I’d give it a two out of ten,” he says. “Even when services exist, stigma makes people afraid to come forward.”
The challenges extend to formal justice systems. Reporting to the police often results in mockery rather than protection.
“As a man, when I reported harassment, they laughed and asked if men could really be victims,” he recalls. “That kind of response makes you think twice before ever reporting again.”
But instead of retreating, Felix has developed his own strategies. Confronting perpetrators directly, he explains the legal consequences of their actions. Surprisingly, some back down once they realise the seriousness of what they are doing.
“Education works,” he reflects. “When people understand their actions have legal weight, many change their behaviour.”
What’s missing, Felix argues, are structured training that directly addresses online gender-based violence. While he has attended general security workshops, very few programs prepare people for the specific realities of online harassment targeting queer communities.
Still, Felix refuses to give in to despair. For him, healing means breaking the silence, creating a society where survivors of online abuse can report without shame, access real mental health support, and reclaim their digital spaces without fear.
“I don’t want people to suffer quietly,” he says. “With the right knowledge and support, we can all live safer, freer lives online.”