Kenyan LGBT activist receives Artists at Risk COVID-19 support

The relief is geared towards supporting Munene's residency at an undisclosed location in Kenya. Last year, the rapper was offered a 2020 residency at the AR-Safe Haven in Helsinki, Finland, after she repeatedly faced discrimination, blackmail and death threats that forced her to flee her home. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has made it impossible for her to travel.

"For me, self-quarantine is a way of life because of my physical appearance, my sexuality and my activism. I’ve been forced to stay indoors most of my life," Munene, who goes by the artistic name Grammo Suspect, said.

"I cannot pursue my musical career in Kenya because most producers can’t work with a lesbian. And those who have no problem with it have been attacked and threatened in the past. The government doesn’t want anybody to record anything that is LGBT-related. I also can’t get gigs anywhere in Kenya."

AR co-founder Marita Muukkonen said Grammo Suspect stood out as a fearless advocate for LGBT rights in Kenya and internationally. She said the fund would cover the living costs of the artist. The fund also relocates artists at risk to a place of safety in their own country or region. It was launched in April in collaboration with the City of Helsinki to support artists who face threats and are unable to reach a place of refuge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Artists like Grammo Suspect are facing a double crisis," Muukkonen said. "She faces threats as an LGBTQI+ artist for violating local norms and is unable to reach a place of safety during the pandemic. Artists like Grammo Suspect must be given all the support necessary to survive. That’s why we created the emergency fund as a priority."

Interested individuals and organisations can support the AR COVID-19 Emergency Fund here.