The LGBTQ+ community enjoys rights that those who came before them could only dream about. However, we still have a long way to go towards equality and true freedom. Still, there are strong voices in the community who are making a difference – loudly and clearly – across the globe. As we waltz proudly into Pride Month, we take a closer look at some of these radiant influences fighting for a rainbow-coloured future, starting with Njeri Gachuhi, a Kenyan-based entrepreneur and founder of The Travelling Wakili, which strives for a safe and inclusive travel landscape for women and queer folk on the African continent.
Women, queer, no fear here!
Meet Njeri Gachuhi
Njeri is an analytical lawyer and social justice activist who turned her talents into a purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey! Today, she runs a travel start-up called The Travelling Wakili (which means "Travelling Lawyer") to plan unforgettable, safe and inclusive travel experiences for women and queer folk in Africa.
So, as such a change-maker, of course we had to find out more about more about what she does and how she got started...
We met up with Njeri (second from left) and various other fabulous changemakers at WTM Africa
What inspired you to merge your legal and social justice background with your passion for travel to create The Travelling Wakili?
Activism has always been at the heart of my passions, and when I decided to study law, I knew that what I wanted to practise would need to have a human rights aspect to it.
Prior to starting The Travelling Wakili, I was working at a family law firm where a majority of our clients were aggrieved women, and I was and doing social media projects on a part-time basis.
While working full-time at the law firm, I began sharing my travels on Instagram and Twitter, and the response from people was overwhelmingly positive, with people asking to join my adventures.
How has your journey been in advocating for inclusive travel experiences in Africa?
In late 2019, I planned a trial trip over the New Year and put the details on the internet with the costs and itinerary – and 14 people came for the trip. It was then that I knew that I needed to explore this further. I quit my job in February 2020 and we went into lockdown the next month. I incorporated advocacy into my travels because I was my first client.
I wanted to show people that despite the challenges that come with travelling as a woman, as queer and within Africa – that it's indeed possible. My journey has been challenging yet fulfilling. My parents have given me a lot of support on the entrepreneurship side. However, being queer in Kenya is still decriminalised, and as such, I've had to find creative ways to run the business right from its registration. I have, however, had a lot of support from the queer and feminist spaces in Kenya, who make up the majority of my travellers.
At Out2Africa, we like to leave a rainbow impression wherever we go
Advocating for inclusive spaces has also been a challenge, as certain spaces do not allow me to speak about my business without having to hide certain parts of my identity. For example, some spaces are carved out for female founders. However, they're not accommodating of queer women, and this often leaves me in a fix on whether to be in attendance or to seek out more inclusive and intersectional spaces.
What makes you most proud of your work with The Travelling Wakili, and how does it ensure that the travel experiences it offers are safe and inclusive?
Joy and community. The smile I see when two lovers are able to kiss on a traditional Swahili dhow as we're sailing. The laughter when we sit around the bonfire and trade stories of sisterhood and gossip the night away. When a nonbinary person is able to dress as they please on the trip and express themself. That feeling for me is unmatched and what propels me to keep doing what I do.
It's a continuous learning journey, as each traveller's needs are unique and ever-changing. I read a lot, do extensive research, I'm transparent with all my providers on the kind of traveller who will be on the trip, I collaborate with others in the industry, and I collect feedback and data that I use to improve people's experiences.
Kenya is a must-see for everyone
How do you see your recent work with Amnesty International Kenya intersect with your efforts in the travel industry, and what role do you believe travel can play in promoting social justice and acceptance?
Prior to working on the Amnesty campaign, I wasn't aware of how intricate incitement and hate campaigns are organised, mobilised and funded. This gave me a new perspective on how those working to shift narratives should also collaborate to make a bigger impact. Travel can play a significant role in promoting social justice and acceptance by fostering understanding, empathy, and cross-cultural communication.
This can be done through exposure to diversity, education and awareness, human connection, cultural exchange, and challenging personal biases, among many other things.
In order to maximise the positive impact of travel on social justice and acceptance, it's essential for people to travel responsibly and ethically. This involves being mindful of the cultural, environmental, and economic impact of one's actions, respecting local customs and traditions, and seeking to make a positive contribution to the places visited.
Respect for Africa, its people, landscapes, and wildlife is a must
What does Pride Month mean to you, and what do you wish to see with such campaigns in the future?
When you live in a country where homosexuality is yet to be decriminalised, celebrating Pride is a combination of being in community with other queer folk, a reminder of what is yet to be done in terms of laws, freedoms and social welfare while acknowledging the progress that has been made so far.
The first Pride was, after all, a protest, and I believe that while celebrations and parties are key components, it would be great to see more campaigns engage with people in a more honest and intentional manner.
Extend the campaigns beyond Pride Month, engage with less popular people, donate directly to causes and ask queer people how they wish to be supported.
Thanks for Your Life-Changing Work, Njeri
If, like Njeri, you fantasise about a world where you can unashamedly be yourself and show your love to whomever you love without judgement, then Out2Africa can make it happen. Our fabulous Travel Experts understand the nuances of travelling through Africa as an LGBTQ+ traveller, and will ensure you experience all the fabulousness and none of the fuss!
Reach out today so we can plan your most memorable African adventure!
