Qualitative analysis – Decolonial Theory – Queer Theory
Approach
Questions and comments to the author/s

October 14, 2024 at 8:31 am
Hello, Elsa,
Thank you for your presentation. The way you raise social activism and art is very inspiring. This suggests to me the following question: How do you think digitalization non hegemonic ways of queer expression and arts may contribute to spread the Kenian queer activisms not only inside the country, but also the rest of the continent? Do you think there is a potential to establish new cultural or political alliances?
Thank you in advance and congrats for your work!
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November 2, 2024 at 10:53 am
Thank you so much for this insightful question, Gemma. Digitalization has indeed created new avenues for queer expression and activism, especially in contexts where physical spaces for such expression may be restricted. In Kenya, where queer communities often face systemic and social barriers, digital platforms have provided a relatively safer space to celebrate, express, and advocate. This has been the case for both case studies analyzed in the thesis, where both Kahiu and Mwirichia have harnessed the potential of digitization (Kahiu building an entire project on it and Mwirichia using it to expand the visibility of queer subjectivities across national and African borders), but not only. Another notable
instance from Kenya includes the "KumbuKumbu Gay and Lesbian Resource and Archives Center". This platform serves as an accessible, online repository, offering a comprehensive collection of materials that chronicle the history and cultural evolution of the queer movement in Kenya, spanning from the mid-1800s to the present day. This involves transcending temporal and spatial boundaries, as well as actively disseminating and challenging social norms regarding sexuality and discrimination. Moreover, it entails acknowledging the ongoing efforts of African activists who work to preserve the past as a means of advocating for the present and future of queer experiences and relationships. Therefore, there’s definitely potential here for creating cultural and political alliances with queer activists and artists across the continent and above. These alliances could foster a pan-queer solidarity, enabling collectivity, collaboration, mutual support, and shared resources, which can impact the effectiveness of digital activism and artivism.

October 24, 2024 at 7:40 am
Hello Elsa, thank for your comments. Can tell a bit more about the connection with the art tools and children development in Kenya ot Tanzania?
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November 2, 2024 at 11:07 am
Thank you for your question, Estelia. Art tools have a profound impact on children’s development as art, in its variety of expressions, offers a universal language for expression, creativity, and healing, helping youths to develop critical skills like problem-solving, empathy, and self-expression. By working with art tools, children can explore their emotions, learn to articulate their thoughts, and build confidence in their unique identities. Additionally, integrating endemic art forms, languages, and cultural symbols in these activities, well recognizable in their sociocultural landscapes, helps children to connect more deeply with their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging, without dismissing diversity. These programs may also intersect with social activism by addressing issues such as gender equality, environmental awareness, and health education in ways that are accessible to young minds. Art can make complex social issues understandable and relatable for children, helping them grow up with a sense of social responsibility and awareness. Ultimately, the connection between art and child development is not only about personal growth but also about empowering the next generation to envision and contribute to a brighter future for their communities.

October 31, 2024 at 11:27 am
Hola Elsa
Felicitaciones por tu presentación y por la investigación que estás llevando adelante, ¡es muy interesante y necesario visibilizar la temática que estás abordando!. Me surgen algunas preguntas/reflexiones: ¿Cómo pueden usarse las tecnologías para derribar los estereotipos presentes? ¿Cómo crees que se pueden visibilizar otras historias africanas? ¿Crees que sería posible articular con instituciones de otros países que apoyen esta visibilización (se me ocurre por ejemplo las oportunidades que ofrece esta organización: https://princeclausfund.nl/awards-and-programmes/fellows-award/moving-narratives?
¡Muchas gracias!
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November 2, 2024 at 11:19 am
Muchas gracias por tu sugerencia y tus preguntas tan relevantes, Estefanía. Sin duda, las tecnologías digitales tienen un enorme potencial para derribar estereotipos y visibilizar historias africanas auténticas y diversas, especialmente aquellas de las comunidades queer en Kenia y en otros países del continente. Las plataformas digitales permiten que voces que históricamente han sido marginalizadas cuenten sus historias de forma directa, sin pasar por los filtros de los medios tradicionales - internos y internacionales - que a menudo perpetúan estereotipos. Para combatir estos prejuicios, es clave fomentar contenido que muestre la realidad compleja y rica de las experiencias africanas desde una perspectiva local, resaltando las particularidades culturales, sociales, y políticas. Los relatos visuales, los cortometrajes, la literatura digital, los espacios de discusión en redes sociales, y el artivismo en su sentido más general - pueden presentar narrativas que rompan con los estigmas y muestren la diversidad de las comunidades queer africanas, desde sus luchas hasta sus celebraciones y formas de resistencia. Respecto a la articulación con instituciones de otros países, sí, creo que sería muy posible y necesario. Colaborar con organizaciones internacionales, dentro y afuera del continente, que ya apoyan causas de derechos humanos y visibilización, podría fortalecer la difusión de estas historias. Esto no sólo amplificaría el impacto del activismo queer, sino que también estas alianzas pueden crear espacios de intercambio cultural y político, donde las experiencias y estrategias de activismo se nutran mutuamente, construyendo redes de apoyo internacional que generen un cambio social sostenible y global.

November 12, 2024 at 3:00 am
Dear Elsa thank you for your rich text and presentation. I would like to hear from you what you think about digitalization and social control? which values and traditions of digital communities? how do digital communities affect physical communities. Thank you?
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November 12, 2024 at 11:14 am
Thank you for your comments and questions, Marie Paul. I would say that digitalization is a double-edged sword in this regard. While it creates spaces for expression, it also enables new forms of social control, such as surveillance, censorship, and the monitoring of activists. In many countries, authorities use digital tools to suppress dissenting voices or target queer individuals, often putting them at risk. However, this has also led activists to develop alternative strategies, like secure platforms, encrypted communications, and “coded” messaging, to avoid detection. This complex relationship means that while digital tools facilitate visibility and community building, they also demand a high level of caution and protective measures from those who use them. Digital communities are often built on values of inclusivity, support, and resistance against oppressive structures, all of which are vital for queer communities. In Kenyan and broader African queer digital spaces, there is a strong emphasis on mutual support, resilience, and storytelling, helping members to feel seen and validated. These communities often prioritize anonymity and security to protect their members, which has become a tradition itself in these digital activist spaces. Finally, digital communities can profoundly impact physical communities by providing resources, emotional support, and information, which often inspire real-world actions. For example, discussions within online queer groups may lead to local meet-ups, workshops, or collaborative projects in physical spaces. Additionally, when online movements gain enough momentum, they can pressure policymakers and encourage public dialogue, eventually influencing societal norms. The strength of these virtual networks has the potential to ripple into visible change within physical communities, especially as digital activism gains public recognition.

November 16, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Great presentation! One notable example of art serving as a voice for youth in Sudan is the work of the “Sudanese Artists for Peace” collective. This group of young artists has used murals and street art to transform public spaces in Khartoum and other cities into vibrant canvases that depict themes of peace, unity, and hope. During the 2019 revolution, their artwork became a symbol of the people’s struggle and aspirations, capturing the attention of both local and international communities. These murals not only beautify the urban landscape but also serve as powerful reminders of the youth’s role in advocating for a peaceful and just society. Through their creative expressions, the Sudanese Artists for Peace have inspired many and contributed significantly to the ongoing dialogue about peace and reconciliation in Sudan.
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