Cultural Conceptualizations of Empowerment Among Lesbian/Bisexual/Queer (LBQ) Women in Western Kenya: A Participatory Approach to Survey Measure Development

This project addressed the pressing issue of health inequities and human rights violations faced by lesbian, bisexual, queer women, and other sexual and gender minorities (SGM) assigned female sex at birth (LBQ women) in Kenya. Within Kenya’s anti-LGBTQ social and legal context, LBQ women experienced numerous documented human rights abuses and increased physical and mental health inequities due to compounded stigma and discrimination. The study aimed to improve the health equity of LBQ women by understanding and documenting their conceptualizations of empowerment and how these influence their health, using participatory and feminist research methodologies. The research gathered and analyzed data from LBQ women in Western Kenya and urban informal settlements in Nairobi, creating a culturally relevant measure of empowerment. By engaging LBQ women directly and focusing on culturally grounded approaches, the project sought to develop policies, programs, and services tailored to their unique needs. This foundational work is intended to contribute to the broader effort of achieving health equity for SGM people in Kenya and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, with future plans for program development and grant applications to support long-term interventions.